How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty: And Say Yes to More Time, More Joy, and What Matters Most to You - Hardcover

Breitman, Patti; Hatch, Connie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 076790379X ISBN 13: 9780767903790

Publisher: Bantam Dell Pub Group, 2000

Synopsis

The art of saying "no" can be taught and learned say the authors of this important book, who present a foolproof plan for keeping demanding friends and family at bay, politely refusing invitations, and staving off "highmaintenance people." $40,000 ad/promo.

About this title

Review:

If "sorry" is the hardest word, then "no" must come a very close second. Saying "no" isn't as easy as it sounds. It takes skill and sensitivity. Many people find it impossible to say. They're scared of hurting peoples' feelings and letting people down. If you're the kind of person who tends to please everyone but yourself, then How To Say No Without Feeling Guilty is the book for you. The message is simple. If you feel put-upon, don't put yourself out. Instead, learn to put yourself first.

As well as explaining the power of 'no', the book also teaches the basic techniques of wriggling out of a request, such as buying time and saving face. From gentle let-downs to classic alibis, How To Say No Without Feeling Guilty contains (often hilarious) examples of how to respond to certain difficult situations. For example, how to say no to houseguests: "I can't wait to see you, do you need recommendations on a good place to stay"; how to say no to girl scout cookies: "I've made a commitment to give up sugar"; and how to say no to noisy neighbours: "You probably didn't realize this, but when you play your bagpipes, they sound very loud in our house. (Can you practise somewhere else?)."

Authors Patti Breitman and Connie Hatch promise that once you feel comfortable and justified in saying "no" "you'll have acquired a skill that will lead to lifelong satisfaction and a more permanent sense of joy". And by the time you've finished their book, you'll be saying 'no' like a pro. So, would you like to order it? No? You must've already read it. --Christopher Kelly

Review:

Advance praise for How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty

"This book is the bible on how to say no and still be seen as a nice person. It can change your life forever."
--Jack Canfield, coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) series

"It's a book to consult over and over again. I recommend it."
--John Gray, Ph.D., author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

"Brilliant! This practical, powerful book will help you express what you really feel and want."
--Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D., author of Making Peace with Your Past

"This is a charming, intelligent, and practical guide to finding the great YES of life, by learning that NO is a complete sentence. Thoroughly enjoyable."
--Anne Lamott, author of Traveling Mercies

"A road map for opening up lots of needed space in our lives. Out with the guilt, and in with a life that is ours again!"
--Janet Luhrs, author of The Simple Living Guide and Simple Loving

"How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty enables us to rid ourselves of needless guilt so we can live a richer, more fulfilling life."
--Dave Pelzer, author of A Child Called "It", The Lost Boy, and A Man Named Dave

"This book is wonderfully useful, doable, wise, and inspiring."
--Sue Bender, author of Plain and Simple and Everyday Sacred

"A must for anyone who wants to live a life of joy and ease, and feel good about it."
--Marcia Wieder, author of Making Your Dreams Come True

"The best book I ever read on setting boundaries. This is a must-read for everyone!"
--Sirah Vettese, Ph.D., author of What Happened to the Prince I Married?

From the Hardcover edition.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bantam Dell Pub Group
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 076790379X
• ISBN 13: 9780767903790
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 253