Thinking you are a bad person for saying no is a symptom of “the disease to please.” “Saying yes when you need to say no causes burnout. You do yourself and the person making the request a disservice by saying yes all of the time,” says author Duke Robinson. Here’s how to do the right thing?for yourself and others?in 10 common scenarios where you know that opting out is your best option. Don’t feel guilty. Just take these tips from experts on etiquette and communication?and a cue from your favorite two-year-old?and say no.
Request: A friend in need asks for a Trump-worthy loan.What you should say: “I wish I could, but as a rule, I don’t lend money to friends.”Why it works: It’s clear that you are not singling out this person as untrustworthy.Why you shouldn’t feel guilty: Lending any amount of money can cause problems, says communications trainer Don Gabor. “It can change the nature of your relationship if the person doesn’t pay you back.”How to avoid the situation in the future: Never lend money to friends and you won’t get a reputation as a walking, breathing ATM.
10 Guilt-Free Strategies for Saying No
Request: A coworker wants you to chip in $25 for a gift for a colleague you wouldn’t recognize at the watercooler.What you should say: “Oh, I’ve never really had a conversation with Sam. I think I’ll just wish him a happy birthday in person.”Why it works: Chances are, the person taking donations has no idea how close you are (or are not) with the intended recipient. Continue reading “Saying No for the Sake of Your Wallet”