me, but I'm really not capable of that", "I'll give it a shot, but I will probably need help", or "Sorry, but I just can't fit it in this week. Is it urgent?" I agree with the article that saying no gets easier the more you do it and you should always know why you do it. I never used to say no but living in the city I got sick of being stopped and asked for donations or my time for random causes. I learnt to say No and not feel ashamed. I now take it a step further, I actually think its wrong for people to stop me in the street as they are actually wasting my time for what I see to be their profit or benefit, I say no firmly but are never rude (Well once to a green peace person but they deserved it that time) By default, we as humans are programmed to have difficulty saying it. It associates to negative emotion, which in turn makes us feel genuinely uncomfortable. No. We should not feel ashamed in saying it, in fact, if I say 'no' and you are not capable of respecting what I have said, then you are now in fact in violation of my privacy. No. I should not have to enter into any further negotiation with you, or explain, or justify my decision. Just as you are not going to appreciate me punching you in your big stupid nose for trying