The Book of NO

Susan Newman, Ph.D., social psychologist and author of The Book of NO: 250 Ways to Say It--and Mean It and Stop People-Pleasing Forever (www.thebookofno.com) sent in this tip for the holidays and I think it's always a good thing to consider no matter what time of the year it is:

Strongly consider all invitations before accepting. Our tendency is to say, yes, sure, I’ll be there (or do that). Think: Do I want to be there? Will that gathering, party, dinner make me happy or uncomfortable? Is it too painful this year? You have a right to say NO and protect your emotional boundaries and conserve your physical energy for the things and people you want to be with and who make you feel good. Similarly, you can tell people when you don’t want to talk about a sensitive subject, your loss, a health issue, a child’s problem—whatever. If they persist, walk away.

Until next time,
Lisa