My Favorite Ways To Say No Without Saying No

Feeling too lazy to say yes

Every day, a new opportunity to say “no” arises and I’m a firm believer that we should do everything in our power to seize it. After all, we never know — it might be our last and only chance. As Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda said, tomorrow is a mystery.

People are so hyped on saying “yes” all the time, even if it comes at the cost of their boundaries and well-being. Now if you ask me, that’s just stupid and so is this word we abuse all the time. Sometimes I wish I had the authority to fine people for saying it too often.

Murmuring “no” is a struggle because we’re too polite or we’ve been taught to people please. That’s why, in today’s world, we all have to get creative with the ways in which we say no. The purpose of this isn’t to tip-toe around people so that their fragile ego doesn’t get hurt. No, not at all. It is strictly for the sake of being creative, witty and appearing well-bred, without sounding redundant.

With that being said, here are a few of my favorite, unpopular ways of saying “no” without saying “no”:

• I’m feeling too lazy to say “yes”
• You’re so nice, but I’m not.
• What’s the opposite of “yes”?

Now there’s another one I love, but you actually have to spell “n” and “o” together, which I know can be quite difficult, but with a lot of practice, patience and faith, anyone can get to a point where they can yell it with confidence. If I can do it, I have no doubts that you too can do it:

“I hate to say no, but I’m saying it.”

These are a few fun options to substitute the plain, boring “no” and not feel guilty for it — at least not in the long term.

We need boundaries to protect our inner core, our mental health and also to be able to enjoy that glass of fine red wine while soaking that sexy body in a hot, salt and lavender bath, listening to the delightful voice of Edith Piaf singing “La vie en rose” in the background, without feeling monstrous for not showing up for someone else. What’s wrong with showing up for ourselves first?

What are your favorite ways of saying “no”? I’d love to read about them and congratulate you for having the balls to say this blood-curdling word out loud, shocking everyone around you (and probably pissing them off immensely at the same time). It’s worth it, though!

When others are not okay with your NO’s, they should not be allowed around for the YES’s either. ― Christine E. Szymanski

Thank you for reading & thank you, Melanie J. for creating a home for our unpopular opinions, where they can be embraced, rather than judged.

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