Dear Friend / Employer / Charity / Business Acquaintance / Neighbor,
I regret to inform you that the answer to your recent request is a firm and resounding NO. I do understand the position that you are in, and that you would appreciate my: help with the move / coming in on my day off / making a generous donation / becoming a dues-paying member of your newly established professional group / walking your dog five times a day while you’re on vacation. However, due to a recently expanded work load in my personal and professional lives, as of this morning I have committed to saying NO to every request and offer, and you have the distinct honor of receiving this message first. Congratulations.
Please understand that this was a difficult decision, and one about which I deliberated for quite some time, but I find I must be consistent in my refusal, lest hurt feelings and resentment ensue. As this is a new program, it is subject to change at any time, so you may wish to renew your application in the future.
Once again, I appreciate the importance of your request and am honored that you thought of me. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me in the same manner in which you have done so previously.
With regrets,
Caryn
a.k.a. The Chronic Yes-Woman
P.S. Hey, that was a good attempt, wasn’t it? I almost had you going! Anyway, for those who want my help, I’ll be over next Saturday — say, around eightish? Who needs to sleep in on the weekend, anyway? For all others, the check is in the mail. I should warn you, though, that next time I really will say no. I’m not kidding. Meanwhile, thanks for the chance to practice my rejection technique. I realize it needs a little work on the follow-through, but I think I’m onto something here.
P.P.S. I’m serious here. Next time, the answer is NO. Really. I promise.
I could have used this today — I’m on VACATION — and I spent a few hours interviewing candidates on the phone. OMGosh, did I really do that?! Well, at least I was on a beach (while drinking something appropriate for the beach — can we say “little drink umbrellas”?). No would have served me well.
Are you sure on the dog walking? I know a few people who could use your services. I wanted to send them to you, but if you are saying no…
I can also say no very well. My work environment lends me saying it A LOT.
It is hard, but you can overcome your “yes” tendacies. Do it in the mirror. Say loud. Say it to the cat. If you feel yourself giving think of all the free time you can get just by saying no.
If that doesn’t work, grumbling under your breath while you are doing the task you’ve said “yes” to. I find that very theraputic. (Yeah, I know, that spelling is off by miles.)
Love it! I think as women, not wanting to hurt someone’s feelings/inconvienience them/seem like less than “superwoman” we take on far too much! I totally agree with you. Saying no is the new yes. : )
Gee, What part of YES don’t you understand? The encroachment onto your person time, money, attention span and your life? i used to say yes a lot. then I just stopped answering the damned phone, lol.
by the way, the Pug needs his walkies at 8, 12, and 6.
i’m so terrible at the NO too. I’m copying and pasting this for future reference!
Unfortunately, I’m good at saying NO. I’ve had a lot of jackasses over the years who’ve helped me hone that particular craft. 😉 Of course, that doesn’t mean the answer will always be NO. I’m just saying it never hurts to ask.
Lol, What a great way to profess the word no. I can say No when required, but my youngest daughter finds it terribly hard to say no. It does not exist in her vocabulary.
Do you mind if I send this to her, perhaps she can use it to lean how easy it is.
Oh, and you did have me in until the end of the first paragraph. hehehe
Suzanne 🙂
Ugh. I’m definitely a yes woman too.
Very good! I have no problem saying no, and I hate to see people who are being overrun by their yes-saying!
You can do it! Just say no!
Cam, check your email! 🙂
Melissa, if I could leave during the day — and if it weren’t so cold — you know, maybe it would be a good money-maker. 🙂
Jenny, so true! So many women were raised as people-pleasers.
LOL, Writtenwyrd! Thanks for the laugh.
Go for it, Joanne! And good luck. 🙂
Marcia, that’s awful! I mean, it’s good that you’ve learned your boundaries and can enforce them, but in such a frustrating way?
Sure, Suzanne. Maybe it’ll help. 😉
That makes lots of us, it seems, Jennifer!