"When you are saying, "Yes," to others, make sure you are not saying, "No," to yourself."
I've spoke in a crowd of at least 100 people with little problem. I've written, given speeches and have sung in front of people. As nervous as these endeavors made me, nothing has me shaking quite like the prospect of saying one little word:
No.
We've been brought up to think it's selfish to have our own best interest at heart. We're taught to keep the word "I" out of essays, because it makes the paper too personal. If we say no then we're selfish and narcissistic.
Of course, it's a good thing to put others first, but there are times when it's absolutely okay – even necessary – to put ourselves first.
For those who are tired of being the "Yes Man" in their lives, here are 62 ways to say no:
1. No.
2. Thank you for the offer, but I can't right now.
3. No, thank you.
4. Are pigs flying? Then sure.
5. I have plans, but thanks!
6. I can't.
7. Not today.
8. I'd rather not.
9. Maybe next time.
10. I'm too busy right now.
11. Absolutely not.
12. Thanks, but that's not really my thing.
13. Thanks, but no thanks.
14. I'm too tired.
15. Maybe next semester.
16. I'm good.
17. I have to study/do homework.
18. I have work.
19. I'm going to have to put my foot down.
20. I don't want to.
21. Nope.
22. Nah.
23. I don't think I'm the right person for what you're looking for.
24. I wish I could, but I don't want to.
25. That's out of the question.
26. Sorry, but no.
27. Not in a million years.
28. When hell freezes over.
29. Thanks for thinking of me, but I have other obligations.
30. No way, Jose (bonus points if their name is Jose).
31. I gave that up for Lent, but thanks for thinking of me!
32. Ask me again on the 5th of Never.
33. "I sometimes have a feeling I can do crystal meth, but then I think, mmm, better not." – Thanks, Fat Amy.
34. I'm visiting my parents this weekend.
35. Oh sorry, I forgot that I'm leaving the country that day.
36. I break out in hives when I go there, but thanks for the invite!
37. My friend needs me.
38. I need alone time.
39. I'm overdue for a nap.
40. I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request.
41. No. Just no.
42. If only I could!
43. I'd rather stick needles in my eyes.
44. How about no?
45. Life is too short to do things you don't love.
46. There is a person who would blow this out of the water. I'm not that person.
47. That sounds fun, but I can't.
48. I'm honored, but I'm booked.
49. That goes against my beliefs/values.
50. That sounds interesting. Let me think about it and get back to you.
51. I wish there were two of me!
52. Yikes, no thanks.
53. Nononononono.
54. Bye Felicia.
55. Frankly, my dear, no.
56. Let's not and say we did.
57. I think not.
58. Yeah...No.
59. I'll sit this one out.
60. Hell to the no.
61. "Oh God. Please no. NOOOO." – Michael Scott
62. No.
