ollowing on from last week’s post about over-apologising, it’s come to my attention that lots of people get roped into doing things they don’t want to do. I’m a real peace keeper and I generally go with the flow but if there’s something I really, really don’t want to do, I simply won’t do it. It’s never okay to be rude but it’s definitely okay to say no to things and not have to feel guilty about it. Here are 5 things you’re totally allowed to say no to…
Chipping in for expensive group gifts
If you get asked to chip in for a group gift for someone you don’t even really know that well, just politely decline and say you’ve already purchased a gift. Sometimes people get carried away with gift ideas and they have unrealistic expectations of other people’s enthusiasm. Just be firm and polite and buy your own gift if that’s what you prefer to do.
Shots
I’d like to preface this one by saying that I will NEVER say no to a shot, particularly if it’s tequila but I have many friends who aren’t into them and that’s totally fine. If shots make you gag or remind you of that night in 1999 when you slammed five Cock Sucking Cowboys and woke up wearing someone else’s pants, don’t do them. It’s not compulsory. Also if I’m around and someone is trying to peer pressure you into doing a shot, send them my way and I’ll give them a good talking too. #nomeansno
Activities you know you won’t like
Opera performances, renaissance fairs, backyard working bees or all night gamer-thons. If you’re not into the things that your friends are into, you don’t have to participate in their activities. My best mate loves golf and music festivals and I have zero interest in both of them. It’s fine because she doesn’t like the internet so I don’t make her come to blogging conferences. It’s totally fine to not do all the things your mates do.
Petsitting or babysitting
Personally you can’t keep me away from my mates pets or babies but it’s not everyone’s bag. Also some people feel down right uncomfortable and often very nervous about looking after alive-things that don’t belong to them, which is totally fair enough. If you don’t want to look after someone else’s small humans or fur-babies or if it scares the shit out of you, don’t do it. Just be polite and very vague about your plans so you can always say you’re busy.
Taking other people’s unwanted stuff
I spent years leaving my friends houses with my car stuffed full of old furniture and sets of out-dated plates – things they no longer wanted but couldn’t bring themselves to throw away. I’d end up keeping it in a corner of my house for a few months and then ditching it as soon as I could. Then I realised I was basically becoming a garbage collector for my friend’s stuff, so I stopped accepting it. Again, be firm and polite and say that you don’t have room for the item in your home.
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
What things do you struggle to say no to? Any tips for getting out of tricky situations?
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
By the way you should totally sign up for the Smaggle newsletter and like Smags on Facebook. I don’t want to pressure you but I heard all the cool kids are doing it. Just saying.