Discover effective strategies for assertive communication in this 48-minute conference talk from Devoxx Poland 2022. Explore the reasons behind the difficulty of saying 'no', including cultural and gender influences, and understand the importance of setting boundaries. Learn practical techniques to overcome people-pleasing tendencies, shift perspectives, and develop a more balanced approach to personal and professional relationships. Gain insights into hacking your brain, utilizing audiobooks, and practicing key phrases to confidently decline requests without compromising relationships. Delve into the consequences of being a 'flaky friend' and the resentment that can build from always saying 'yes'. Master the art of respectful refusal and enhance your overall well-being and productivity through this informative presentation by Christina Aldan.