Monday Memes: “Sure, I can help.” (The Invisible Pressure to Always Say Yes)

Delfino dragged himself onto the riverbank, flippers drooping with exhaustion. He had spent the whole day rushing around the forest, trying to be everywhere for everyone.

Slothy: “You look beat, Delfino. Everything alright?”

Delfino: “I… may have said yes to every favor asked of me today.”

Slothy: “Let me guess—now you’re running on empty.”

Delfino: “Completely. But I didn’t want to let anyone down. Every time someone asked, I just said, ‘Sure, I can help.’”

Slothy: “Sounds like you forgot to save some help for yourself.”

Delfino: “I know. I feel guilty even thinking of saying no.”

Slothy: “Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, Delfino. Guilt tricks us into thinking saying ‘no’ is letting others down, when sometimes it’s the only way not to let yourself down.”

Delfino: (sighing) “Maybe I do need a break… without feeling bad about it.”

Slothy: “You’re allowed to rest, buddy. The people who care about you will understand. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

🌟 A Message from Soulamore: Many men carry an invisible weight of always saying “yes.” It comes from a kind heart—and often a silent pressure to be the dependable one every time. But remember, even the most reliable friend deserves reliability from himself. This Men’s Mental Health Month, give yourself permission to set a boundary or two. Saying “no” when you need to isn’t letting others down; it’s lifting yourself up. After all, you can’t be there for anyone if you’re running on fumes. If the weight of expectations is wearing you out, let it out. Overthinking shared is overthinking eased. Drop your worries in our Confession Box, or talk it through with someone who gets it on Our Peers. Your well-being matters as much as anyone else’s. Soulamore is building soft spaces for emotional wellbeing—online and in real life. Learn more at soulamore.com or follow along at Instagram @soulamore_