Heidi,

Consider that being nice springs from within, such as wanting to bring a light to someone’s day. If it feels obligatory, sacrifice, its not being nice, its being afraid, and pretending to be nice to avoid conflict.

This might seem backwards, but instead of worrying about boundaries, being nice, being trampled, being respected… consider becoming more self nurturing. Give yourself that kindness, let your light grow inside, so when you do dance with others, it comes from the place you want to be in. Then, if they like what you do? If they don’t like what you do? That’s up to them, it has nothing to do with you.

Said differently, why do you care what people think of you? You can’t control that, and its a wasted effort to try to please people. If you want to say yes, say yes. If you want to say no, say no. That’s actually a song you might enjoy “cat stevens sing out” on YouTube if interested.

Finally, its fine to bump your thread if you’re feeling unnoticed. Be patient, though, it takes time to be heard and answered. 🙂

With warmth,
Matt