Yet Again: Learning to Say No

I keep returning to this theme because saying no to requests for our time is such a hard things for so many of us.

Today's bit of inspiration come from Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work by Richard Carlson:

Saying no without guilt is not selfish - it's a protective necessity. If someone said to you, "Can I have the air you breath?" you'd probably question their sanity. You certainly wouldn't feel guilty saying no. Yet if someone says, "Can I ask you to do something for me that will push you over the edge and make you feel stressed out and resentful?", there are many times that you'll agree either out of habit, obligation, or simply guilt. Sure, the person probably didn't phrase the request like that, but in reality, that's what is being asked of you.

Related posts:
The Importance of Saying No: Two Perspectives
The Importance of Making Decisions
Learning to Say No
Miss Manners: How to Say No

[photo by Simone Scott Warren]