Regret hurts more than rejection

Are you asking for what you really want?

Or are you brushing off your needs with the classic: “I’m good”?

Maybe you stay quiet when your boss hands out opportunities, even though you’re dreaming of that raise.

Maybe you ache for a hug but pretend you’re fine, toughing it out alone.

Maybe you long for help, but you’d rather burn out than ask a friend for a favor.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the pattern: when we silence our wants, we don’t actually protect ourselves.

We just collect disappointment, resentment, and loneliness. And that silence eats away at us.

Because asking isn’t a weakness—it’s one of the bravest things we can do.

When you ask, you give someone the chance to show up for you. To meet you. To love you in the way you need.

And yes, it’s terrifying.

You risk rejection. You risk being misunderstood. You risk that vulnerable sting of “No.”

But here’s what’s even scarier:

The regret that comes from not asking.

That moment later on, when you’re replaying the conversation, thinking:

• “Why didn’t I speak up?”

• “Why did I pretend I didn’t care?”

• “Why didn’t I let myself be seen?”

Regret lingers far longer than the pain of rejection ever will.

Here’s the truth I’ve learned as a therapist, coach, and as an n’betweener myself:

Every time you ask, you reinforce this truth—my needs matter.

Even if the answer is no, you’ve practiced honoring yourself.

You’ve told your nervous system: I deserve to be heard. I am allowed to want. I am allowed to take up space.

That is a radical act of self-respect and acceptance.

So let me model it right now.

What do you want from me?

Seriously. I want to know.

Do you want more tools on how to invest in yourself and finally believe you’re worthy of that investment?

Do you want guidance on managing your mental health as an n’betweener—navigating all the layers of identity, pressure, and expectation that come with living in the n’between?

Do you want new opportunities—ways to connect, grow, and belong more deeply in this community?

Hit reply and tell me.

Don’t overthink it. Just write what would support you most.

This isn’t just about content—it’s about practice. You practice asking. I practice listening.

Together, we build a space where needs are honored and voices are heard.

Because asking for what you want isn’t selfish, it’s sacred.

Here’s to being brave enough to ask, bold enough to receive, and wise enough to know we deserve it.

Thanks for being here.

XO

Nora