I had, and still have, absolutely no problem saying no to my children.  None whatsoever. But there are variations, as we all know.

1. Not now.

2. Maybe later.

3. We’ll see (a personal favorite)

4. Maybe someday (and, no honey, that doesn’t mean Sunday)

Then the “no” for the teenagers.

5. Absolutely not.

6. This is non-negotiable.

7. Not until you are 36.

8. No, I never said yes to that.

9. What’s wrong with you! I said NO.

10. Never. Never, never, never, never.

But at work? Even when I try to say no, I can’t.  My supervisor asks me to do something?

1.Yes

2. Of course

3. No problem

4. Yay!

5. Yes, yes, yes

6. When does it need to be done?

7. Sure!

8. Thank you, thank you

9. I’d love to.

10.  n.na..na.nnnnnnyes

To say I exaggerate sounds immature. I like to think that I use hyperbole. But there is definitely a pattern here. And, of course, I have said yes to my children many times. And no to people at work. And that my plate is a little full. And that I want to be able to do my best but I have a number of things going on at work right now. Which is still almost saying yes.

There is a DEEP MEANING HERE. But I have no clue what it is. I hope that it means that I love and care deeply about my children and want to help them make the right decisions. And I hope that it means that I want to do my best at work. And that I’m not afraid of being given responsibilities because I can shine at whatever I am asked to do at work. Hmmmmm……maybe I should ask my husband. What do you think? Yes or no?