- Start by whispering “I don't think so, sorry.” when in a very crowded place. To no-one.
- When in a slightly less crowded place, say slightly louder, to no-one, “I don't think so.”
- The next thing you are offered, by anyone, turn it down. No matter if you want it or not. Say, “No, thank you.”
- When a friend asks you to do something, travel some distance, when they ask you three times to come and you think they must really want you to, don't go. Even if you have agreed, tell them you now can't come.
- When a friend disgrees with you and you are sure the friend is wrong and the friend says, “Don't you see?”, say, “No, not really.”
- When an invitation comes to work for free or very little money say, “Thank you, but I don't work for free, here is my usual rate.”
- When someone tries to pass you a plate of food, even if you want that food, say “No, thanks,” and pass the plate to the next person.
- When you are asked if you mind about something you do mind about say, “Yes, I do mind. No, I can't let that go, I'm afraid.” If in writing, then delete “I'm afraid.”
- Stand in the middle of your living room and say “No” in your normal voice. Then stretch your arms above your head and say “No” in a louder voice. Do this twice a day. Shape your mouth around the no-shape. Find different ways to say it. Say it questioningly:“No?”, and then firmly: “No!”, and settle into your way, your “No”, which
Tania Hershman is the author of three short story and flash fiction collections, four books of poetry and two hybrid books. She has a PhD in creative writing inspired by particle physics and is working on a new hybrid poetry collection inspired by Star Trek and a novel set in a magical library. www.taniahershman.com
'How to Say No' was first published in Under the Radar magazine in 2020.
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