Mrunal Thakur’s Pooja Meri Jaan raises an important wuestion: Why do women struggle to say no?

Mrunal Thakur's recent film, Pooja Meri Jaan, has sparked a conversation about a critical issue: why do women find it so challenging to say "no"? In an exclusive interview with PTI, the actress revealed that she was eager to take part in the project after hearing its simple premise – that a woman's "no" does not mean "try harder."

Thakur attributed her decision to audition to the film's message, emphasizing her pride in being chosen for such an important cause. However, the story behind her involvement also sheds light on the difficulties many women face when asserting their boundaries.

Dr. Chandni Tugnait, a psychotherapist, offered insight into the reasons why women struggle with this simple act. She explained that childhood conditioning plays a significant role, as many girls grow up absorbing messages that being accommodating and putting others' needs first is the key to being liked and likedable. These lessons, often reinforced by family and society, can create a sense of identity that makes it difficult for women to say "no" without incurring disapproval or being labeled difficult.

Additionally, Dr. Tugnait highlighted the fear of judgment and being misread as aggressive when asserting oneself. Women are acutely aware that their assertiveness is often perceived differently from men, which can make standing up for themselves exhausting. This fear of being penalized or misunderstood for saying "no" often leads them to say "yes" even when they do not mean it.

Another factor, according to Dr. Tugnait, is the link between a woman's sense of worth and her willingness to help and please others. When a woman's identity is tied to being useful and agreeable, saying "no" can feel like a threat to her self-worth. This can trigger guilt, anxiety, and a compulsive need to soften or explain away the refusal, ultimately undermining her own needs and boundaries.

Ultimately, learning to say "no" is about more than just changing behavior; it involves reevaluating the fundamental belief that a woman's worth is contingent upon her usefulness to others. By recognizing that a "no" is a complete sentence and can be expressed without apology or explanation, women can take a significant step toward asserting their boundaries and prioritizing their own needs.