" It’s not that I can’t collaborate. It’s just that I don’t know how to say no to people. If someone’s like, ‘Let’s write a song together,’ it’s like, ‘You’ll write the song, and I’m gonna okay everything.’ It’s very hard to think that their ideas work with what I’m trying to do. "
- Soccer Mommy

The speaker expresses a common struggle many artists face when it comes to collaboration. They feel compelled to agree to work with others but find themselves unable to contribute effectively because they are more inclined to validate ideas rather than providing their own creative input. This situation can lead to frustration and a sense of being out of control over the direction of their collaborative projects.

On a deeper level, this quote highlights the challenges that come with balancing openness and assertiveness in creative endeavors. The speaker’s difficulty in saying no stems from a desire to be cooperative and supportive. However, it also reveals an underlying fear of confrontation or disappointing others. This tension can hinder personal growth and artistic integrity, as true collaboration requires both parties to contribute meaningfully and respect each other's visions. By recognizing this struggle, artists can work on developing healthier boundaries that allow for genuine creative exchange without sacrificing their own ideas and goals.

Soccer Mommy is the artist behind these reflective words. Her real name is Sophie Allison, an American singer-songwriter known for her introspective indie pop music. She often explores themes of teenage anxiety and personal growth in her lyrics, providing listeners with a candid look into her experiences and struggles as both a young woman and an artist.