Learn To Say No

It’s Not Impossible

Some people do not know how to say no. They will do anything for anyone, regardless of the fact it takes their day away from them. They are never too busy to help a friend or family member. The phone rings and away they go, someone had another emergency that couldn’t wait. Drop whatever they are doing to assist someone else. The day is gone by the time they return home. Oh well, there is always tomorrow.

Will some people take advantage of this generous soul? You bet your bottom dollar they will. They have no qualms about calling and asking anything. They immediately trust this person will drop whatever it is they are doing and come to their rescue. I’ve witnessed it many times, as my husband is this kind of guy. He will help out, whatever is needed. Car stuck in the ditch, or buried in the snow he is helping out. Need a ride to work, sure I’ll get up at four forty five to take you. No problem. 

Where do these people come from? Many are family members, others are so-called friends. Friends that do not call unless they need something from Gary. Gary is good natured to a fault. He always says, “Things could be worse.” Which is true, but I do believe at some point a no is in order. Because, as I said, people will take advantage. 

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Gary needs to learn these ways to say no, here goes.

1. Unfortunately, I have too much to do today.
2. I’m afraid I can’t.
3. I’m sorry I’m not able to fit that in.
4. I’m honored you asked me but I simply can’t.
5. I wish I were able to.

Any of the above will work in a pinch. Sometimes saying no is the thing to do. Especially if a person is busy and is on a tight schedule. I’m almost certain people would understand. If they don’t, too bad. They are the ones needing the help. Find someone else to help out. Or better yet maybe they can accomplish on their own what they insisted they needed help with in the first place. 

I’m sure everyone has a friend or acquaintance they know who has the same point of view. It is nice to help people out. All of us do it from time to time, but when it becomes an everyday thing, it needs to come to a stop. 

Say No

Can you do this, can you do that. Hold on one moment let me get my bearings. The phone calls become more frequent, more and more people just cannot get through their day without help. Me, if I can do it myself, it gets done. I do not like to rely on other people. Oftentimes disappointment sets in if they are a no show, or call with some lame excuse. Help, who needs it? After living with my husband for ten plus years I’m going to say a lot of people need it. I’ve witnessed Gary dropping everything if someone calls and needs him. Many times over. It’s his thing I guess. He has a heart of gold along with a willingness to assist.

Gary Is Gary

I guess I’d rather have him this way than being an intolerable, insufferable bore. A cranky old man who will help no one. Bah humbug, help yourself. Maybe it’s Gary’s way of getting into heaven. Or maybe, just maybe deep down he is genuinely a nice guy. Me, I’ll go with the last one! My husband is a nice guy.

Gary is the kind of guy who will drive his brother to work and pick him up at the end of his shift because his truck is in the shop, because he’s done it. He is the kind of guy who will drop everything and go help someone who is stuck on the side of the road with a flat, because he’s done it. He’s the kind of guy who will drywall my daughters' basements and not charge them, because he’s done it. He is the kind of guy who puts up with me, because he does it every day.

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Gary, he helps because he can. Maybe there should be more people like him in the world.

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