- 1). Practice saying the word no in the mirror. Get used to saying the word. You do not have to shout the word for it to be effective. Practice saying it in a calm, yet assertive tone. This might sound silly, but it will help!
- 2). First, practice saying no to small things. For instance, pretend your friend calls you up and asks you to meet her for coffee. You are sick and do not want to get coffee, but you are afraid of hurting her feelings. Tell her the truth. Say something like, "I would love to get coffee, but I am sick today. Can we meet for coffee when I feel better?"
- 3). Once you have had practice saying no to small things, try saying no to things that are a bigger deal. For example, pretend that your friend wants you to be her new roommate. You love your friend, but she is a complete slob and you know you would not be able to live in a messy environment. In a kind way you could tell her something like, "I am flattered that you would want to be my roommate, but I think we are so different it would be hard for us to live together. I do not want to do anything to mess up our great friendship."
- 4). People will probably find it odd at first that you are saying no to them. If this happens do not feel like you have to give them a lengthy explanation. You can tell them whatever makes your comfortable.
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