Learning to Say "No"

I couldn't say a firm and quick "no" (when I wanted to) until I realized that "no" is respect toward people. Respect for others' time and plans. Instead of a lingering, doubtful "maybe," a firm and quick "no" is a gift that allows the person who hears it to move on in a more likely direction. And then it got even better: once I learned to say "no," I learned to accept it. Accept it as a sign of respect for myself.