No, you can’t have a raise.
No, you can’t go to the show tonight.
No, you can’t have an extra $5.00.
No, you can’t have a new dress.

BUT . . .

And there should always be one . . .

You CAN have, be, do something else.

Why make *no* what it has meant to generations of people?

Point in Progress here ==> What does *no* mean to you? No. Period. End of discussion.

Youch!

No, you can’t have a raise, BUT . . . I realize you have been working long, hard hours, and putting a lot of your own sweat into this project. I want you to know that I appreciate it, and I won’t forget it.

No, you can’t go to the show tonight, BUT . . . I have enough money in the budget to rent a movie, and I don’t mind if you invite a close friend over to share it. I’ll make some popcorn and your favorite cookies.

No, you can’t just have an extra $5.00 tonight, BUT . . . If you’ll do some extra chores around the house, we’ll see if I can come up with an extra $5.00 by next week end.

No, you can’t have a new dress, BUT . . . I can help you sew one. We’ll make a girls?night every week until we get it done. I’ll make some brownies, and if you want a friend to come help, I think it will be fun.

Why not make refusals fun? Why not give hope in everything that we do?

*You want to make love tonight, Honey?*

*No, BUT . . . after you help me with dishes we can snuggle.*

You saw that one coming, didn’t you.

*** Now, please don’t write and say that *but* is a negative. I am hoping every time you say *but* in the manner it is intended above, that your eyebrows wriggle and your eyes twinkle. OK?
~~~~~~~~~

Copyright 2001, Jan Tincher, All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Author's Bio: 

Learn unique strategies and techniques for personal success from Jan Tincher online at http://www.TameYourBrain.com If you would like to subscribe to her free weekly e-zine, click now: Mailto:Mailto:tameyourbrain-subscribe@lb.bcentral.com