About this quote

Making a choice that puts your needs first will probably upset people you care about. You have to accept that short-term hurt can be the cost of living honestly. Be concrete: write down what matters to you, set one or two clear boundaries, and say your reasons plainly to those affected. Which outcome will you regret more years from now? Let that answer steer you.

When to use it

• When I turned down the promotion that would have moved us across the country, I told my partner this so they knew I had to pick my own path.
• After months of putting my studies on hold to help my sister, I used this line when I told her I needed to go back to school for my future.
• I said this to my mom the day I told her I wouldn't join the family store because my health and stress levels had to come first.
• Before I left the team to focus on rehab, I told my coach this so he understood my choice wasn't about the sport but about my long-term well-being.