I try and be forward with setting boundaries. At 39 in life and my career of teaching, I have learned how a lack of boundaries can waste time, months, even years on people and causes that you really don’t want in your life. A big part of boundaries is learning to say no. Unfortunately this part of setting boundaries often carries with it offense. Some people are deathly afraid of offending. If you are living in that “house,” get your moving boxes together, it’s time for a paradigm shift.
I say if you can’t offend anyone, you are destined for a frustrated and really lousy life.
The next time you are asked to do something that you don’t want to do, don’t say, “I’ll think about it,” say “NO.”
The next time someone gets in your space and criticizes you, don’t be polite and say something awkward and nice. Say “NO!”
Offending people is not the worst thing in the world. In fact, it can be one of the best favors you do for them and yourself. Develop an attitude about yourself that says: “I am an amazing person and worth a lot.” When you really get that sort of attitude, turning down offers becomes less of a worry about offending and more just a decision to not waste the short time you have on Earth.
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I think there are ways to say “no” without offending people and then if they get offended, that’s on them.
You may marry a woman (if you’re not married) one day that believes different ;) Just keep telling what you just said!
My friend and I are huge movie fans as well as fans of Adam Sandler comedy CD’s, we both talk about doing our own podcast of movie reviews, or comedy skits and just haven’t gotten around to it. We might try this in the future.
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