Today, I am going to use myself as a case study. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, girlfriend and entrepreneur. My life like yours, dear friends, consists of intermingling with all types of people and issues. Most of my conversations are normal daily chatter. I laugh, debate, consult, compromise, mediate and even haggle. I am an extrovert and enjoy the art of conversation.
But, it becomes uncomfortable for me to turn down a request with a "no" or voice my opinion when I am faced with an uncomfortable ticklish situation with close friends and loving family members. I fear it may poison my relationship so I swallow hard and say "yes" to avoid unpleasant consequences. And, to be sure, I avoid confrontations with family members, at all costs and I don't think that is always wise. I am a sage and have wisdom behind my name and know I can be of help. And yet, I keep silent. Can you relate?
There are many problems we face saying "yes"when we know we should say "no." In the long run, saying "yes" can damage relationships just as deeply as saying "no." And, not speaking out to your children or grands because you want, at all costs to keep the peace, can cause serious long-term problems.
There are many problems that as grandmothers we can nip in the bud with our grands before they become full blown. We can do this simply by speaking up.
I decided I was doing an injustice to myself and my family and friends by keeping silent when I could be of help. And saying "yes" when I wanted to say "no" is not acceptable so I took the bull by the horns, and signed up at the International Karrass School to take a two-day seminar in the Art of Negotiation. I felt that if I learned the skills of negotiation, I would do justice to myself and those I cared for and loved.
Wow, did I do myself a favor.
I learned how to say "no" comfortably. It is all about being able to justify your answer. Your no is always backed up by truth and logic. This immediately gives you the confidence to say, "no." You are comfortable because you can validate your "no." You are authentic in your reply. This gives you great emotional power because the recipient of your "no" knows what you are saying has merit.
I also learned...
1. If I am put on the spot, I back away and use a delay tactic. "I'll get back to you." This gives immediate control over the situation and time to think about the response. Make sure you keep your word and call with your answer, which may be "no."
2. Be honest with yourself. Friends and family appreciate and respect frankness.
3. Your tone of voice is important. Let family and friends know that your refusal is not rejection. You simply cannot comply with their request.
4. Long discussion are a no-no when you say "no." Sometimes not explaining is more effective than going into a long explanation. Keep your answer simple. "I am sorry I am not available. I have an appointment." If your friend persists, say, "I'd rather not discuss it."
5. Holding to your boundaries. In other words...no is no! "No" is not maybe nor is it yes. It is called consistency.
I leave you with a quote I adore, by humorist Henry Wheeler Shaw, "Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough." That's "no" longer my problem.
Have you mastered the art of saying "no?" Do tell! I would so love to hear from you either in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Earlier on Huff/Post50: