~Marvel: Loki X Listener SFW: Say No~ {Patreon Exclusive}

I know it's hard, but you're allowed to say no.

Contains: Established Relationship, Advice, Talking about Self Love, Anxiety Aide, Mental Health Navigation, Setting Boundaries, Interpersonal Relationships, Self Care, Encouragement, Petname (My Dear), Challenge Audio

So the prompt that I originally started with was Loki talking about you can be sweet but you can also be tart, and how self love is important, but it kind of evolved into this talk about boundaries, and standing up for oneself in a way that I didn't expect, but like how it turned out! I think it still fits the theme of Grapefruit, and I think it has an important message that all of us need to hear once in a while. I hope you all enjoy!

~Audio Transcript Below~

Loki:  It isn't selfish nor is it evil to take the priorities of the self over those of others.......

*pause*

*sighs* Well perhaps I'm not the best role model when it comes to that........

Allow me an addendum if you would?

It isn't selfish nor is it evil to take the priorities of the self over those of others......*as long as it isn't to the detriment of said others.....*

*pause*

What brought this line of thinking on?

Well....the fact that you have a nasty habit of taking on too much, and your ability to say no for the sake of yourself is practically nonexistent......

*pause*

No, you didn't come here for this, but I'm going to continue on anyways.......because *you'll let me*........

Do you see what I mean, now?

You may be sweet, but that is not all that lies beneath the surface. I have seen your ferocity, your tenacity. In small bursts, mind you, but I know that it exists all the same......

You have some tart to you, and it would do you good to allow others to *taste* said tart......

*pause*

*affectionate* Oh not in a sexual way, you little deviant.......

If you thought that was going to distract me from my course.....you're severely underestimating how much I want you to care for yourself....

I know, it's sappy and dreadful, but think, if you let me say my piece, then we can be done with it all....deal?

*chuckles once* Deal.....

Where was I? Ah, yes.......letting others in your life taste the tart that is in you along with the sweet.....it will stop them from becoming complacent about your kindness.

*pause*

Stand up for yourself more. I know it's nerve wracking and the idea of rejection in any form causes you extreme amounts of anxiety.....but forcing yourself to be kind and take on the burdens of others that you do not earnestly wish to, just for the sake of being kind, is not better, is it?

*long pause*

You're quiet because you know I'm right.......

Allow me to put it this way......you've disclosed to me that you are looking for opportunities to practice and perform self love and self care, correct?

What better way to perform self love than to make yourself a priority for once.......?

*pause*

Why should you feel bad about it?

*pause*

Alright, let's follow this scenario you've created then........this imaginary person who's coming to you for something, is it dire? Will they literally be harmed if you do not do as they asked?

*pause*

"Maybe" is not a "yes" My Dear. You aren't certain because the scenario isn't real......

I'm not saying you should curse at someone for asking you to help with the washing up, and continue on by saying, "how dare you"........

I'm saying that you shouldn't sacrifice yourself for the comfort and ease of another......

Remember, "as long as it isn't a detriment to others......"

*sighs through his nose*

*long pause*

May I issue you a challenge?

*pause*

Some time.....it doesn't have to be immediate......let's say....sometime this week.....I challenge you to say 'no' to something that you genuinely do not want to do; or do not have the emotional, physical, or mental reserves to spare.

The feeling bad about it afterwards can be something to be worked on for another time........however.......take the time that the task you said no to would have taken.......and use it for yourself.

Buy yourself a special treat, be it food, or.....something that makes you.....happy......spend time with a pet, a loved one, read something you've been meaning to for a while, but haven't had the opportunity to......

You have boundaries.....and if you don't enforce them.....people are going to walk all over you to a point, where, eventually you are going to break......

And My Dear........I fervently do not wish for that to happen.......

Enforcing personal boundaries is not inherently selfish nor is it inherently cruel.....

Those who know you.....those who care......will be delighted to see and to hear you taking time for yourself........and taking care of yourself....

Of course, as always, there are extenuating circumstances, but you know what I mean. It could be something as small as telling someone that you don't have the emotional......accommodation for a conversation.........and that you would be willing to revisit said conversation when you do......

A person who truly cares about you and loves you, will not mind......

Who knows? Saying 'no' and being strong in your convictions, and standing up for yourself......might just reveal those types of people in your life, the ones who truly care for you.....They will not be offended at you saying no, or having boundaries......

In fact, there are some who would celebrate your success in self love and care.........

Love.....and have enough respect for yourself........to know when to say no......and know.....that you aren't wrong for doing so.......

*pause*

*sighs* and I suppose with that unintentional rhyme......I'm finished......

*pause*

I say these things to you because it agonizes me to see you under such burden......and have others blindly or intentionally take advantage of you.....

And because you wouldn't be pleased with me doing anything untoward to them.....I turn to you.....to help you......

I love you.......you know that, don't you?

*pause*

And that is why I wish to see you succeed.......

*softly* Try.....all that I ask you to do is try......I believe in you......