I have to say it also took me too many yrs to learn how to say "NO".My standard reply in such situations is Sorry, can't do that,can't help or can't be there. Whatever.If I'm pushed,I just say no, I'm too busy to take on more. That's my final answer.
It's very, very freeing.It took me yrs to realize the world would keep on spinning,regardless of wether I did/didnot allow myself to be used.The older I get, the easier it is.It's one of the few perks of age.There aren't too many :-):-)
Originally Posted by shequilts
A very hard lesson to learn is how to simply say "No."
It took me half a lifetime to learn this. I used to be consumed doing things I didn't want to do until I decided enough. Saying "no" freed me. I don't make an excuse for why I don't want to do something, either fact or fiction. I just say "No" and move on. It's wonderful!