Are you a “good girl”?

Many of us were raised to be polite, educated and respectful. We were taught to think of others. And we often naively assume everyone is just as considerate in return. But that isn't always so.

Sometimes those who see your good manners use them to test your boundaries. The worst part is when you grow ever deeper into that role, saying “yes” to what you don't actually want. This gives rise to perfectionism and the exhausting habit of pretending you like everything.

How to turn from a “good girl” into a strong woman

• Allow yourself to say no. “No” is a complete sentence.
• Live by your own values. You're fine as you are — just believe it.
• Don't let others decide for you. Thank them for their opinion and say you've already made a decision based on your own feelings.
• Stay considerate — but not at your own expense. You can still be polite, but you no longer do it to your own detriment.

Strength isn't rudeness — it's the ability to respect yourself as much as you respect others.