Reply to How to say "no" to other moms

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[quote=Anonymous]Even when you know exactly what you SHOULD and want to say, it can be really hard to do in the moment when your first inclination is to be helpful.

That said, the fact that she abused the favor and then asked again really does fully reveal the nature of the person asking.  And that does not deserve loyalty or repeat favors.

Had you asked a favor of someone like this would you ever have behaved the same way?  I'm sure the answer is no.

So practice the no response.  Practice a few variations so that you have options, and so that even a less firm no is still a no.  Become comfortable saying all of them in the abstract and it's much more likely that one of them will come out in the moment:

No, I can't.
No, I'm sorry but I can't do this anymore.
No Jane.  The time you stranded me with Jack I missed appointments and it was a major imposition so I can't say yes anymore.
I'm so sorry, but I can't do this again.
I'm really sorry but my afternoons are filling up and I just can't.
Oh, I'd love to but unfortunately just can't.  I'm totally overscheduled and it's really becoming a problem so I have to start saying no.

That way you have a wide range, but they're all still no.  You can even start with one and add on a few more if she's relentless.

Sorry she took advantage of you this way OP. [/quote]

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