Originally Posted by 2ursula
One of my relatives used to have a lot of 'little favors' to ask: "Can you just do this?" (The 'just' meaning that no reasonable person would refuse.) One day, I was late for work after I watched her children 'just for an hour', which turned into four.
I discovered the word 'No' when only a short while later she refused to let me use her sewing machine for a tiny job. (I did not have one at the time.)
I have issued very simple 'No' answers without explanation ever since. She did ask me why I was "so inconsiderate".
To her chagrin I can say more than 'No'.
Good for you, stand up. Let her know why you are no longer helping her out with her little needs.
That's why I've stopped doing a lot things for people, they want from you but when you need something, all of a sudden you're asking too much. As someone else pointed out, as we get older our "No" button is easier to push. There are too many users in the world.