Saying No

I've remembered why saying no is so difficult. People cannot, in this day, accept the word no. Whether it be a sales person, a co-worker, a boss, a parent, a friend or a complete stranger, it is nearly impossible.

Because of this, for a long time, I became a yes person. "Can you do this?" "Yes." "Do you want to do this?" "Yes." "Will you buy this?" "Yes." "Can you give?" "Yes." "Do you mind?" "Yes. I mean, no." When someone says it like that, they're just trying to switch it up a bit. You have to be prepared.

People will rephrase a question 15 different ways, trying to get a yes. "Do you want to?" "No." "Well, can you at least?" "No." "Well, what if you?" "No." "How about?" "No." This is the point where my sarcastic self takes control and I start replying, "Would you like me to say this in Spanish? No!" "Would you like me to say this in Italian? No!" "Would you like me to communicate this in German slang? No!" Even some German's say no instead of nie or nien sometimes, because it means the same thing.

Just now, it nearly took me an hour to say no to something, because it will benefit me in the long run. Do I want to spend money? Yes. Do I need to spend money? No.

The funny thing is, I usually accept no. Because I am such a yes person, I have slighted myself in the fact that most people do say no. Looking now at what a difficult time I was having, saying no just now, made me realize how many times I have been told no. I've come to the realization that I am not always able to please people. I need to start looking out for myself sometimes.

Does this make sense to you? Just say yes.

Learn more about this author, Susan B.
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