I have a tremendously hard time saying no to people. This is how I got looped into being treasurer for my sorority in college. This is how I end up babysitting for everyone and their mother. So lately I have been consciously working on saying no when I don't want to do something. A friend of mine recently asked if I wanted to take over her job cleaning for an elderly woman. The whole time this was going on I had this feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was going along with the whole thing for about twenty minutes and then said "actually, I really don't think I want to do that." It was honestly really hard for me to get those words out. But I was really glad that I was firm and honest and my friend actually appreciated that I was upfront with her about the whole thing. I guess I'm just always afraid that someone will think I'm a bitch.

Well today I was one. I had to call my bank to ask a very simple, straightforward question. I was put on hold for a LONG time and then the bank rep came back on the line and said that she had asked around and didn't know what I was talking about. She told me to call my branch and hopefully someone there would help me out. I said "no. I've been holding a long time and this business has nothing to do with my branch. The flier I am looking at told me to call your office. Please transfer me to someone who knows what they're doing." She did and my problem was resolved within 5 minutes. Do you ever just love being a bitch?

Far too often for me . No really, sometimes you just have to pull out the bitch in you to get shit done. I don't like saying no either. Every time my brother calls when I'm down to visit I end up babysitting for him while he goes off to some party. I love my niece, don't get me wrong, but I really really hate having to explain why I CAN'T do something. Good for you for being honest.

Oh man. I just read a FANTASTIC book called "Put Your Big Girl Pants On And Deal With It". Written by Roz Van Meter. This thread reminded me of that book - which I LOVED. My review is here:

http://kazoofus.blogspot.com/2007/08/book-review-w orth-paying-attention-to.html

Do I ever love being a bitch? No. I hate it when I feel like I have been pushed to that point but sometimes it is necessary to be exceptionally firm with people. I have zero guilt about telling people no however. My time is MY TIME and it is important that I manage it carefully. I make no apologies for how other people perceive me when I tell them no. That is their problem not mine.

I don't love being a bitch, but I have no problem pulling it out of my bag when it's called for...I used to gawk at my mother and wonder how she could be so mean...how could she stand to make people mad at her?! Now I understand. My family and I come first and I have no problem saying no (my husband is another story And I have no tolerance for ignorant people. Don't sit there and tell me you can't do your job! Because I will NOT accept that and I WILL throw the problem right back at you!

I don't love being a bitch, but I love being treated like I'm 5 years old even less. So I pretty much live in my big girl pants.

I also don't tend to explain. "No." is an answer all on its own. I don't owe many people explanations for the decisions I make. The ones I do, usually understand without one anyway.

I think I have the career advantage here in being a teacher. If I am being condescended to or screwed over by someone who thinks their professional title makes them oh so special, I have no problem pulling out teacher voice. It works as well on the 50 year olds as it does on the 15 year olds

Big girl pants, I love that.

I have to honestly say, I do love letting my inner bitch come out to play.
It's not often that it happens, so when the special occassion arises that I get to really just let a few zingers fly and attitude abound, well I welcome it. It's like a good release.
But I honestly have to say that it takes a while for me to get to that point.

It's good to stand up for yourself and not feel bad for making your own decisions, regardless if it conforms to others wants or not.

oh i have a hard time with that two letter word. more than once i have just avoided it all together. this is not something i recommend as it usually ends up messier than just saying 'no'.

though - i have no problems saying to my husband, ironic isnt it? "honey, i want to watch nascar" "no! we are going to the park!" LOL