For most of her life, Australian journalist Grace Jennings-Edquist had been keen to please. From school to career, in her appearance, friendships, and even everyday interactions, she was always anxious not to disappoint. Becoming a mother finally tipped her over the edge, and she wound up in a mental health unit. Her attempts to be everything to everyone – and to do it all perfectly – had taken their toll. Grace could no longer avoid the truth: she was chronically addicted to saying yes. And she was not alone.

The Yes Woman is a practical guide to recognising your own Yes Woman tendencies, measuring their cost on your health, and resisting that need to please. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it. In a world that teaches girls to become Yes Women, learning to say ‘no’ is a radical feat.

Grace Jennings-Edquist is a journalist at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, where she writes articles on issues including gender equality and wellbeing for ABC Everyday.

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Image: A smiling woman with blonde hair and red lipstick wearing a black t shirt. The top half of her body is visible, her chin is resting in her right hand. The background shows a couch, some books on a table to the left and a plant on a table to the right. Text says online event. Next to this, the book cover of The Yes Woman by Grace Jennings-Edquist with the text how to reclaim your power by finally saying no. The background of the book is orange, with the word yes repeated in a slightly lighter orange across the background.