When no means no

I’m usually quite certain about what I want and what I don’t want. But there are exceptions to this general rule. There always are. Persistence is one of them. When people persistently ask me to do something and they won’t take no for an answer, I tend to give in not because I want to but because I want be rid of them. The problem with giving in is that I sometimes end up doing things that I really don’t like doing. And I don’t see why I should be put in this position.

So recently I decided that I shall be more persistent in saying no to persistent people, starting yesterday. Needless to say, it didn’t go down well. I got blamed for leading them on because notwithstanding my earlier rejections, the fact that I kept answering their calls apparently meant that they still stood a chance. What kind of a warped mentality is that I really do not know. But at least I’m now rid of one persistent person. Now for the rest! There has to be an easier way to say no and let the recipient understand that no means no and they should just give it up. No means no. Not maybe, not I'll think about it, not you still have a chance, not yes. No is what it is. NO.

I’m still trying to figure that one out.