Learn To Say “No” Without Excuses
by# Khushboo Chaudhary
One of the biggest ways that people find themselves caught in a people pleasing loop is through a lack of assertiveness. It’s important to be direct when you say “no” and avoid blaming other obligations or excuses for your inability to participate. Don’t be afraid to state your reasoning for saying no, but keep it short and do not apologize. Being firm, yet courteous tells others that you are confident in your decision. Once you start explaining why you can’t do something, you are giving the other person a way to poke holes in your excuse and find reasons why you can just do those other things later. Or giving them the chance to adjust their request to ensure that you can still do what they are asking.
One of the biggest ways that people find themselves caught in a people pleasing loop is through a lack of assertiveness. It’s important to be direct when you say “no” and avoid blaming other obligations or excuses for your inability to participate. Don’t be afraid to state your reasoning for saying no, but keep it short and do not apologize. Being firm, yet courteous tells others that you are confident in your decision. Once you start explaining why you can’t do something, you are giving the other person a way to poke holes in your excuse and find reasons why you can just do those other things later. Or giving them the chance to adjust their request to ensure that you can still do what they are asking.