i'm tired of feeling guilty for saying no to my parents

i've noticed that every time i tell my parents i can't do something for them, i end up feeling guilty for the rest of the day. it doesn't even matter if i have a valid reason. maybe i'm busy with work, already have plans, or just want a day to myself. somehow i still feel like i'm letting them down.

the strange part is that i don't say no very often. i help them when they need money, drive them places, spend time with them, and try to be available whenever i can. but the few times i can't, it's like those moments are the only ones that count. i've started realizing that i've been carrying this feeling around for years. i don't even know if the guilt comes from them anymore or if i've just trained myself to feel responsible for everything.

i love my parents, but i'm exhausted from feeling like i have to earn their approval over and over again.