Inclined to Decline: Saying No

Saying “No” is Sometimes the Best Answer

David A. Reinstein, LCSW

"Yes" can come too easily
As codependents can attest,
In moments where a soft, firm "No"
Would serve one's interests best.
It is more readily said than done
And to think of it in time,
There is no blame or illness
When you are inclined to decline.

Others put the pressure on
To affirm what they have asked,
But their motives may not be so pure-
Real agendas may be masked.
To be strong enough to not agree
Is not some kind of crime,
But rather a display of healthy being
That inclines you to decline.

It is not about perfection
But one of making a good choice
When an option is presented
Your well-being needs a choice.
It is not being selfish
Thinking "No" would be just fine,
We can't say "Yes" to everything,
Sometimes we must decline.

Published by David A. Reinstein, LCSW - Featured Contributor in Technology

Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, born in Boston and a relatively unscathed survivor of the 60 s. Fan of technology, guitars, creating music and poetry. Mental wellness coach, staff trainer and parent...  View profile

24 Comments

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  • Jill E. Wright11/2/2011

    good one! sometimes you just have to come right out and say "no". otherwise, people dont understand.

  • Sandy James10/5/2011

    For many of us, this is a hard lesson to learn.

  • Lodie Quezada10/5/2011

    Well, when in doubt as Harriet said, "maybe".

  • Mike Powers10/1/2011

    Superb advice, my friend! Saying "no" when required has never been an issue for me.

  • Mindy Mai10/1/2011

    Well said.

  • Laura Everly9/30/2011

    Well written great job Laura Everly

  • Trisha Hodges9/28/2011

    I couldn't agree more! Cheers! Don't consent to something you don't want just to placate the people around you.

  • Verna Hendrickson9/28/2011

    David, when I became independent years ago, I had to rethink my words and became less tactful , yes that may be a bad trait. I speak what I think. That's no laughing matter.
    This is a good piece of information and thought provoking, Good work!

  • Delicia Powers9/28/2011

    Wise words ...great poem David...

  • Sivaramakrishnan Ananthanarayanan9/28/2011

    It was not that easy for me but over the years being truthful to my thoughts gives me the lightness of being! I am quite upfront now but not to the extent to offend! siva

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