When I Say No, I Feel Guilty

The 3-body problem trilogy (Rememberance of the Earth's past). My first sci-fi novels ever - the Netflix show sold me and these novels compelled me on a whole new hard sci-fi rabbit hole. Presumed Innocent (preceeded by the Apple TV show of same name). Murder mystery. Loved it. Tie-in novels from videogame franchise: - Deus Ex: Black Light - Devil May Cry: before the nightmare I've also started Marvel Comics in anticipation of Fantastic Four and the whole Secret Wars storyline it will build up. Couldn't finish a single non-fiction this year, but enjoyable so far: - Zero to One - When I say no, I feel guilty - Designing data-intensive applications

The Discourses of Epictetus - This is useful to re-read frequently while thinking about any new challenges in my life, as these are powerful tools for managing hardship and generally living well. When I say no, I feel guilty by Manuel J. Smith - a book on assertive and non-manipulative communication. This has been incredibly valuable for improving my personal relationships and work. It's also allowed me to recognize and defend myself against emotional manipulation, which is more common than I realized. For many people that is the main way they communicate- by trying to control others with guilt through manipulation.. and I used to be both unaware and extremely vulnerable to it. It is useful to re-read and practice frequently, as these are skills that require practice.