Sunday, June 15, 2014

How to say NO without looking like a jerk





We like to please others, from the beggars getting in to the bus hoping that there will be kind hearts who would spare some change for them, mother who is asking you to help prepare dinner to a colleague who is asking to stand in for him in an office issue. Pleasing others who asks you for help is one of the kindest things you can do, therefore saying NO to these people will be an extremely hard thing to do. How can you say ‘no’ to the person who stands up for you at office or your mother who always takes care of you? It will be a rude thing to do. Sometimes, in your head you might think it is your responsibility to help out the near and dear ones. Saying ‘no’ when you have this feeling might provoke a guilt feeling.

It’s good if you never have to turn down requests of your friends or loved ones. Yet, there is a limit you can be helping others. Helping people can be great, but if you say yes to everyone who asks, you'll never be able to do it all and you will not have time to attend to your matters. If you are included in the category, which you can’t open you mouth to say ‘no, there is a chance that you get loaded with tasks that you don’t enjoy performing. This isn't good for anyone; not to you or to the person who was seeking help. You're not going to do your best when you're unhappy.

If you are a person, who finds it hard to say ‘no’, you are probably aware of this and maybe you have experienced it. You might have wanted to say ‘no’ to reject some but something inside you prevented you from saying it. Therefore, as usual, you carried the other person’s chip on your shoulder, even though it weighs too much for you. How do you stop saying ‘yes’ to everyone.

But, how do you say no to a request with out looking like a jerk? All what you need is a little bit of confidence to speak out your mind. Here’s how you can turn down a request asking for help without making yourself look like a jerk. When a person asks you for help and you feel that you aren’t ready to help him or her, have the guts to say ‘no’. But first, let the person finish what he or she is saying. Think to yourself whether it’s possible or not. Don’t interrupt the person until he/she finishes talking. Learn to listen to the person with respect, even though this person is continuous help seeker who has almost got on your nerves for reaching out to you for every simple thing.  


You may feel bad for declining, but don’t show the other person that you are upset about it. Keep your voice calm and confident and keep it as simple as, “sorry, I will not be able to help you this time.” It will remind this person that you have already helped him several times and will be available to help him in the future events. If the person looks disappointed, don’t try to explain yourself or confront him with the previous times you have offered him help. 

Do not feel obligated to explain. You have your reasons and they may not be ones you wish to discuss.  Keep in mind that it's your time they're are requesting for and you have the choice to accept or decline what they're asking of you.

But in return, you too must understand that there will be events where others will have to decline your requests for help. As much as you feel burdened to help a person, when you are not ready, the one who you are asking help for will also feel burdened. If one ever says no to you, don’t get all mad about him or her. Try and understand the situation.

However, don’t keep this as an excuse and keep declining all events where you have been asked for help. You can’t avoid all circumstances. Try and do the best possible for you while giving out the maximum for others. Also, remember that these people are the ones whom you have to reach out for when you are in need of help.

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