Have you ever wondered how to say “no” politely, or how to say “no” without hurting anyone’s feelings?
“No” has become one of the most senseless taboo words in our society…well, for women at least.
There are those who believe that “no” on its own is abrupt, rude, or just plain unfriendly. This belief needs to be changed. “No” has been cursed with an unwarranted negative connotation, and its original definition ( a neutral means of declining an invitation, suggestion, or request) should be reinstated.
The importance of the word “no” cannot be understated in the context of romantic relationships, especially when it comes to physical boundaries. So if you have a partner who does not seem to receptive to the word, we’ve offered some solutions that clarify your message.
1. The old faithful, “No.”
2. “I don’t want to do that.”
3. “I’m not ready for that.”
4. “I appreciate the offer, but I must respectfully decline.”
5. “I see how you pronounce ‘no’ as ‘maybe’, but the way I use it, it means the opposite of yes.”
6. “No, that’s a ‘definitely not.'”
7. “I can’t even emphasize how ‘no’ this ‘no’ is.”
8. “I was. But now I am not.”
9. “Why does ‘yes’ hold an eternal value to you but ‘no’ is a temporary statement that is subject to change?”
10. “You do realize that ‘yes’ does not mean ‘yes’ forever, right?”
11. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you in the understanding of the ‘no means no‘ movement?”
12. “At what point in your life did someone tell you that pet names are the golden ticket to a woman’s pants?”
13. “At what point in your life did someone tell you that complaining is the golden ticket to a woman’s pants?”
14. “At what point in your life did someone tell you that pouting is the golden ticket to a woman’s pants?”
15.”At what point in your life did someone tell you that a golden ticket to a woman’s pants even exists?”
16. “Oooohhh, that’s right, one act of kindness is good for submitting to one unwanted sexual advance. How silly of me to forget this postmodern form of currency!” (Sarcasm)
17. “So when you open the door for me does mean I have to say “yes” once or twice that week? I want to make sure I’m charting this correctly.” (Sarcasm)
18. “Speaking of which, I believe I paid for a full tank of gas for you last week. Where’s my lap dance?” (Sarcasm)
Okay, all jokes aside, this is usually a pretty earnest question. Unless the guy is intentionally trying to manipulate you, this guy might be worried that he has already pushed you too far.
So obviously, if he has done something that upset you, let him know. But if not, here’s a few answers you could give.
19. Not at all; I’m just not ready for that.
20. No; I still like you a lot, but doing _______ is a pretty big deal for me.
21. No, you haven’t; I just want to take things slow.
At the end of the day, you won’t have to convince the right guy that you mean what you say. If they love you, they will see that “no” is a decision to be respected, not a feeling to be challenged. The right guy won’t make you wonder how to say no…you’ll just say no.
