Growing up, I was always taught that "no" is the magic word when it comes to getting men to leave you alone. You don't want to go on a date? Say no. You don't want to kiss him or be touched? Say no. Say no, and he'll respect that. He'll leave you alone and will not bother you anymore, because "no" is a strong word; he'll know to back off and leave you feeling safe. I always thought this would be the case, how it actually works in the real world. As I learned for myself, however, sometimes "no" doesn't work.

Sometimes "no" will leave you feeling horribly unsafe and regretful. Sometimes a guy will go out of his way to make sure you hate yourself for rejecting him, for saying no. He'll take every step and do everything he can to make you feel uncomfortable, because that is what you deserve for saying no to his advances. You start living your life extra carefully, making sure to avoid him as much as possible, because you said no and he didn't like that, who knows what could happen next?

Sometimes "no" will make you regret ever being friendly. You didn't think texting him back or saying "hello" to him when you cross paths would leave him thinking you liked him and wanted to date him. Constant romantic advances on his part, even after you've told him "no," will oftentimes make you regret being nice in the first place. Maybe if you wouldn't have responded to his messages he would be leaving you alone right now. Maybe if you didn't look him in the eye, he wouldn't think you have some sort of craving for him. He's a nice guy, give him a chance, look at how he isn't stopping. He's doing everything he can for you to say "yes," why won't you be a nice girl and give him a chance?

In many cases, the strength of the word "no" does not match the strength of the man and his will. He cannot, will not be stopped until he gets what he wants from you. A kiss or something more, it doesn't matter. He will do what it takes to get what he craves, a two letter word holds no power over him.

Sometimes "no" doesn't work. Sometimes "no" is not enough. Isn't is sad? Will "no" ever be enough, will any word or sentence be enough to get a person to stop what they're doing and respect you? We know how to say the word "no." How long will it be before other people understand its meaning and the power it holds?