Luckily, Oprah.com has posted an article which provides people with the tools necessary to stand up for themselves. Here's a sample:
How To Say No To…...
"You wouldn't mind ________, would you?"
1 "Actually, I would."
..."You know what I mean?"
2 "Actually, I don't."
...unsolicited advice:
3 "There's an idea!"
...someone you've said yes to in the past:
4 "Yes! (as in, yes to your gut feeling that the right answer is no): "I know I've agreed to ________ in the past, but it only made me feel anxious/uncomfortable/overwhelmed. That's why it's important for me to now say no."
Some other "techniques" for saying no the author forgot to mention include the following:
- giving a thumbs down
- flatulence
- kicking someone in the ribs (not limited to the questioner; it could be a random passerby or baby)
- All of the above
For example:
Waiter: "Would you like to hear the specials?"You: "There's an idea!" (Then, kick him in the ribs.)
How people survived before this advice is a testament to their will and character. In an attempt to reach across the aisle (to robotic dogs, not weaklings), I've decided to apply some of the "techniques" to my everyday life.
Situation # 1
"You wouldn't mind removing your foot from my chest, would you?"
"Actually, I would, your Honor."
Situation # 2
"Hey, you should probably not hang from/make a lasso out of those live electrical wires!"
"There's an idea."
Situation # 3
"Where's your condom?"
"I know I've agreed to wear a condom in the past, but it only made me feel anxious/uncomfortable/overwhelmed. That's why it's important for me to now say no."
The article then proffers advice on how to "not take no for an answer" that lead to imagined confrontations that can, according to authorities, be used as a legitimate reason for suicide.
Can someone please forward this article to the studio heads who renew According to Jim?
0 comments:
Post a Comment