No should never be a word written in the sand, that is just a maybe. There are times when “no” is the best answer for all involved. It is important to learn how to say no and mean it. We have worked very hard in our family to learn to how and when to say no. We have even gone so far as to introduce the nonnegotiable no for those who are stubborn about accepting the soft “no thank you”.
If you are going to say no, make certain you mean it. If you say no and then do it there is no credibility with the word and it loses it’s meaning. It is not that you will be using no all the time, just be certain when you use it, you are being accurate and follow through with your intention.
“No, we won’t be doing that this evening.”
“No thank you, I would rather not have that.”
“I appreciate you asking and No, I will not be attending.”
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Question of
Do you find it easy to say no?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you stick by your guns when you say no?
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Yes
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No
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Not easy but nothing is in life it seems. No should mean no.
I’m very hard to say no. I’m thinking about it for a long time, or should I say it.
Depending on the situation … I always think before I say NO
In fairness, I do say no to my kids and don’t always stick to my guns. But at work, I am very careful to make sure if I say no, i mean no.
I am really careful not to make promises I can not keep.
That is an interesting answer. I have always separated promises from responses. I am often asked for “official responses” and I consider those promises. If I promise something it happens. Or, I take responsibility for the failure.
But yes and no answers, those aren’t to me promises.
It’s never easy for me to say no
and usually when I do, I don’t like to explain, especially if the other party is aggressive.
I don’t often explain. I am more of no thanks I am not available.
It is always tough to say “NO”. Sometimes , I can’t even so no. But Sometimes, I must say no. As, it will hurt you sometimes, you know, if you cant say no.
If I can’t or won’t do it, it’s a no.
Saying no and meaning it is tough but if I want to have respected, they the course even it is unpopular.
I think it is very important to say no and to accept a no without hurt feelings.
You are correct on this point.