Common beliefs about
saying “No”
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Common beliefs about
saying “No”
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Saying “no” is rude and aggressive.
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Saying “no” is unkind, uncaring and selfish.
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Saying “no” will hurt and upset others and make them feel
rejected.
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If I say “no” to somebody they won’t like me anymore.
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Other’s needs are more important than mine.
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I should always try and please others and be helpful.
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Saying “no” over little things is small minded and petty.
Do you recognise these in yourself? Look at each one (maybe with a
friend or relative). How true do you think they are?
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Other ways of thinking
about saying “No”
We all have the right to ask, and the right to say no.
 When you say “no” you are refusing a request, not rejecting a
person.
 When are saying “no” to something you are also saying “yes” to
something else. If you are used to saying “yes” to other people, it
can mean you are used to saying “no” to your own needs.
 We tend to overestimate the effect of saying ‘no’; it doesn’t need
to be a big deal! It’s a sign of a good relationship that both people
feel able to say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ honestly .
