Ever say “NO!” to a person?
It seems rather obvious that the response to this question prompts negative feelings. If you ask for something and you receive a negative response, you will not be very pleased.
The negative response not only may prompt stress for the receiver of the comment, but it can also prompt negative feelings and some stress for the person giving the response. What parent or manager derives pleasure in saying “NO!” to someone?
Someone who was about to adopt a child asked me how to avoid the common response by so many parents of NOT continually saying, ‘No!’” (“No, you cannot do that!” “No, you cannot have that!”)
My response: Say “Not yet.”
These two words promote the very same meaning but don’t damage the relationship. This response also retains hope, thereby eliminating any negative feelings.
Tip: When your decision is to “NO,” respond with “Not yet.”
