Most of us said, “No!” quite well when we were two. After all, it’s the two-year-old’s job to say “No.”
Then something happens as we grow up…most of us become people pleasers. The word “No” drops out of our vocabulary, and we substitute lots of ways to be agreeable and keep the other person happy.
We’re all been in this situation. Somebody asks us to do him or her a favor and, some of us find it difficult to turn the other person down because he or she has done us a favor in the past, or is a close friend or a family member.
Knowing how to say ‘no’ requires skill. Some may say that it shouldn’t be hard to do. Yet, others find it almost impossible to say ‘no’.
Here are some friendly, pain-free and reasonable ways to say no.
1. When someone makes a request, it is always okay to *ASK FOR TIME TO THINK IT OVER*. In thinking it over, remind yourself that the decision is entirely up to you.
2. Remember that “No,” is an honorable response.
3. Say you want to say yes, make it sound like you had no choice but to turn the other person down. (Just don’t involve other people,like blame your saying no to somebody else, this could result in ill feelings.)
4. Say it nicely. Let the other person down easy to avoid misunderstandings. People tend to be more accepting if you are polite.
Daisy Says: Liberate yourself and say “NO” if you mean it.