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I spent a large part of my life saying 'yes' when I would have been better off saying 'no'. Raised to be a 'pleaser', I didn't want the possible confrontations that would come of saying 'no'. I said yes a lot of times in order to keep a job. I said yes to defuse escalating tensions at home sometimes. But- when it came to taking complete leave of my common sense, I could and would say 'no'.

In my old age, I say 'no' more often when I should and don't feel quite as guilty about it. And, I say 'yes' to some things that when I was younger I never did. Guess that means either I'm smarter or the questions aren't as hard as they used to be!

That is so true Sherri. Things do turn around once one gets older. I think maybe because we finally get to the point that we've said too many Yeses and got tired of the results. I too say NO now!
But then they get me in a weak moment and that Yes comes right out again!!

What SherriAnne said.

That's me, too.

I'm not as easy to be sold products, hair brained ideas, or going along with the crowd as I might have when younger. "N - 0!" rolls so effortlessly off the tongue, now. It can be said with so many varying inflections, preceded by one word or another to enhance and flavor its meaning. Ah, such a liberating word, "No!" The word I used to fear coming out of a toddler's mouth, the word that used to frustrate me as a harried mom, I now rejoice in saying myself.

Although I say 'Yes" to things now I would not have dared before, when I say, "Yes," now I mean it and do so to things and people in which and whom I accept. To ideas I agree with and often can put my back behind. But I do rejoice now in the word, "No," So much I may write an ode or sonnet some day -- at least an essay on the beauty and soul fulfilling use of the word, "No."

"No," to people who steal one's heart and thunder. "No," to salesmen who would part one from one's hard earned money for trinkets and trash. "No," to principles I do not stand for. "No," to people who would waste one's precious time left on earth. "No, no, no!" "No," means I am meeting my own needs, listening to and following the beat of my own drummer and tune, not someone else's. "No," can mean I know who I am, what I want, what I will accept and won't.

I do love that word, So uplifting to the soul.

With age comes wisdom!
With experience come contentment.
Oh, the days of yes, yes, yes.
Okay, Alright, I'll do it!
Despite the pain, the waste ...the aggrivation.
I think we learn that avoiding confrontation at all cost...
Really costs you! BIG TIME!

Maybe we just learn to trust ourselves, our gut.
We actually learn from experience!

Good Question!

Good Answers!

Good Gals!

Noticed none of the guys answered....
HHHhhhhmmmmmm ?

I have always said yes and never regretted it. I don't think I am a pleaser. I love people and love to help and think that is the right way to live. It just feels good. Many people have said that I am the only one who was there, when needed and that they couldn't say that about others. That doesn't make me a saint, just available. Why not? Of course, I am only talking about daily events, not abuse, etc. I know lots of guys who say yes, but don't make the headlines....

I say yes a lot, too. Probably more than no. Speaking about myself and things I want to try, or not try, to do. New things, things I used to do, and things I have been afraid to try. Why? Fear of failure, of course! But now? What that heck! Sure, I'll try it.....and if I succeed, what a great feeling that is.

I have never been much of a no person. I say yes, but on my terms. Yes, I'll do it, but not today, I don't have time. Yes, I'll take you wherever you need to be taken, but here is something you can do for me, in return. Bartering, sharing, reciprocity....it all works for me.

Yes, in my estimation, is a healthy answer most of the time but, when no is the right answer, I can say that, too.

Cali

no, no, no no no no, no, no nononono no. No is safer. You can always change your mind and say yes, well, usually. Maybe is even better. I like "maybe." I really like what Officer Gomez tells me is the secret to a happy marriage. Always tell your wife, "si, manana"