Just Say No

Erin, Nikki, Kristin: Just Say No Professionals


Why is so hard to just say "no?" Seriously, what is the deal? Once upon a time I had a "just say no" role model. The role model has recently let me down.

I'm not talking about drugs here. I'm talking about when a guy that you aren't interested in asks you out. For some reason, as my mind is screaming "NOOOOO!" the word "okay" comes out of my mouth. I don't want to hurt the guy's feelings. I don't want him to feel weird. Learning to say "no" has been a big deal for me since I moved to Kentucky.

My role model was Gerty*. She is my friend, my confidant, my role model. She had become my coach on this subject. There were several times when she was by my side mouthing the word "no" while I studdered through turning a guy down. But, it worked. I am now a pretty good nay-sayer. In fact, both of my roommates have become very good at just saying no as well. We are the three "Just Say No-ers." We are three honest women. We are three "not leading anyone on" women. We are three single women. (Go figure)

I recently discovered that my role model very rapidly stumbled down the "okay" hill. Not long ago, she was asked out by a guy who she is not interested in at all. And what did she say? "Um...okay" So, Gerty's* place as my role model has been diminished. Now, it seems that I am the role model here. She coached me to this status and now, the student has surpassed the teacher.

Gerty*, next time, just say no.

*name changed for security reasons