Curated Texan
Yes, I Mean, No. We’ve all been there and said it. We’ve agreed to over-extend ourselves when there is no room to do so. Our Mr. Host With The Most Lance Avery Morgan shares his wit and wisdom on handling situations that might be a tad uncomfortable, yet with a sense of humor, anything is possible.
Dear Mr. Host With The Most,
In a world of vast opportunities, I find myself saying ‘yes’ too much. How may I politely refuse an offer than is not suitable for me for any number of reasons and say ‘no’ more often? Torn in Turtle Creek
Dear Torn & Tired of Saying Yes,
We get it. We really get it. We, too, were raised to always be grateful for opportunities, and likewise, to always say ‘yes’ first, because we can always say ‘no’ later. Which we rarely do.
We made a little laundry list of things you may want to decline and how to best do that:
To the nice fellow at the mall who is taking a survey:
“I’m in a huge hurry, but I’ll take a pamphlet to see if it is something that catches my interest later.”
To that epic chairperson who wants you to run or chair next year’s gala event when you are obligated to too many other things instead:
“You know how much this cause means to me and my family. For now, I just can’t take on such a big job. But you can count on me to donate like we always do to help as much as we can.”
To the neighbor who asks you to water her plants while she’s out of town:
“I would love to, but I really do have a brown thumb and I want you to return to green plants like you left them.”
To your mother-in-law who wants to invite her third cousin, twice removed, to your daughter’s wedding:
“I’ve done all I can to influence the bride by pressuring her to invite all my friends and distant relatives, too, but the room is already quite full.”
To that introductions inquirer who says: You know Mrs. Contessa Von Big Stuff so well. I’m dying to attend one her of parties. Can you get me invited?
“She’s so great and really helps so many worthy causes. I just don’t feel comfortable giving out her contact information without her permission, but I’ll pass yours along to her and she can do what she thinks is best.”
To your bouncing gorgeous youngster who wants a third cookie:
“Not now, Love Bug. You’ll fill up on sugar and not eat things that are good for you to grow up to be a fine young lady (or man), so here’s a carrot stick instead.”
