I know I live in Tennessee (THE Volunteer State) but everyone keeps assuming that since I am not working I am available to:
Babysit
Run pick up __________
Go online and find _________
Deliver ________
Give me a ride to _________

I can't get anything accomplished especially sewing. I say NO real loud and it just goes over their head. Any suggestions besides unplug the phone and lock the door?

All the time! Everyone seems to have a sad story. . .

Like you, I always seem to be in demand now that I'm retired. I really don't know how I found time to go to work. :lol: :lol: :lol:

I have a quote that helps keep me grounded ...
"Saying NO is saying YES to yourself!"


Maybe it's time for you to set yourself into IGNORE mode, when your saying no, goes over their head, as you said.

Jumping at their command ... you're sending the wrong message back to them, that you really didn't mean no.


Remember? NO means NO!
(and that you are saying YES to yourself!!!)

When I quit my job everyone I knew and friends of everyone I knew thought I was the only person that would be free or have the time to do this one thing on short notice, after all I had nothing else I had to do. Babysitting my grand was a joy and I begged to have her everyday! To everyone else I said I don't think I'd enjoy doing that. You'll have to ask someone else.

I have been retired for 5 years now and I am sooo busy, that no one would dare ask me hahahahhahahaha...I tell my friends that I have a life....and they know it....

Something is making you give in...and as long as you keep doing that they will keep asking. You just have to stop doing it. It's not easy to say no and follow through but if people are taking advantage of your good nature - they don't really value you.

Don't promise to do something, don't tell them you'll think about it, don't give them any reason to think you will do as they ask.

Eventually they will respect your boundaries - as long as you keep them set.

Your time is valuable and you can't let other people decide how you spend it.
If I did that I'd be a very unhappy camper!

[Oh yea I sure know what you mean.They holler Arlene can fix it Arlene can do it and ect.]I know I live in Tennessee (THE Volunteer State) but everyone keeps assuming that since I am not working I am available to:
Babysit
Run pick up __________
Go online and find _________
Deliver ________
Give me a ride to _________

I can't get anything accomplished especially sewing. I say NO real loud and it just goes over their head. Any suggestions besides unplug the phone and lock the door?[/quote]

Not me! I had to learn to say no, and it feels good. When I go to a WalMart (75 miles) I ask coworkers if I can pick up something for them out of courtesy, but no one volunteers me except me!