How to Stop Taking Things Personally
Not every offer is an attack. Sometimes it’s just cake — and you’re allowed to say no without losing your mind.
You know that moment when someone offers you a slice of cake? You get to decide. You can say yes or no.
If you say no, most of us don't storm off muttering, "How dare they think I’d want cake? How DARE they assume I like chocolate?!”
We don't call three friends to vent about it. We don't write an angry Yelp review: “One star. Offered me cake.”
No — we just move on. Maybe we don't even think about it again.
Now imagine if we could treat other people's opinions, invitations, and expectations the same way. Like being offered a slice of cake we don't want right now.
Instead of “They’re attacking me” or “I have to defend myself”, it’s just: “Thanks, but no thanks.”
No moral judgment. No personal drama. Just... not hungry for cake right now.
Somewhere between rage-eating your feelings and pretending you never saw the cake, there's this middle ground: Acknowledging the offer, deciding what you want, and letting it float on by like a leaf in the wind.
The truth is, most of what feels "personal" isn’t personal. It’s just cake being handed around — and you’re free to say no without writing a whole Broadway musical about it.
Want more tools like this to make life a little lighter (and a lot less sticky)?
Become a paid subscriber and get access to exclusive resources — plus the chance to ask your own questions whenever you need a hand.