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Health and Wellness

62 Ways To Say No

"I sometimes have a feeling I can do crystal meth, but then I think, mmm, better not."

Cassie Knust

Mar 20, 2017

Sam Houston State University University of Houston

DharmaTown

"When you are saying, "Yes," to others, make sure you are not saying, "No," to yourself."

I've spoke in a crowd of at least 100 people with little problem. I've written, given speeches and have sung in front of people. As nervous as these endeavors made me, nothing has me shaking quite like the prospect of saying one little word:

No.

We've been brought up to think it's selfish to have our own best interest at heart. We're taught to keep the word "I" out of essays, because it makes the paper too personal. If we say no then we're selfish and narcissistic.

Of course, it's a good thing to put others first, but there are times when it's absolutely okay – even necessary – to put ourselves first.

For those who are tired of being the "Yes Man" in their lives, here are 62 ways to say no:

1. No.

2. Thank you for the offer, but I can't right now.

3. No, thank you.

4. Are pigs flying? Then sure.

5. I have plans, but thanks!

6. I can't.

7. Not today.

8. I'd rather not.

9. Maybe next time.

10. I'm too busy right now.

11. Absolutely not.

12. Thanks, but that's not really my thing.

13. Thanks, but no thanks.

14. I'm too tired.

15. Maybe next semester.

16. I'm good.

17. I have to study/do homework.

18. I have work.

19. I'm going to have to put my foot down.

20. I don't want to.

21. Nope.

22. Nah.

23. I don't think I'm the right person for what you're looking for.

24. I wish I could, but I don't want to.

25. That's out of the question.

26. Sorry, but no.

27. Not in a million years.

28. When hell freezes over.

29. Thanks for thinking of me, but I have other obligations.

30. No way, Jose (bonus points if their name is Jose).

31. I gave that up for Lent, but thanks for thinking of me!

32. Ask me again on the 5th of Never.

33. "I sometimes have a feeling I can do crystal meth, but then I think, mmm, better not." – Thanks, Fat Amy.

34. I'm visiting my parents this weekend.

35. Oh sorry, I forgot that I'm leaving the country that day.

36. I break out in hives when I go there, but thanks for the invite!

37. My friend needs me.

38. I need alone time.

39. I'm overdue for a nap.

40. I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request.

41. No. Just no.

42. If only I could!

43. I'd rather stick needles in my eyes.

44. How about no?

45. Life is too short to do things you don't love.

46. There is a person who would blow this out of the water. I'm not that person.

47. That sounds fun, but I can't.

48. I'm honored, but I'm booked.

49. That goes against my beliefs/values.

50. That sounds interesting. Let me think about it and get back to you.

51. I wish there were two of me!

52. Yikes, no thanks.

53. Nononononono.

54. Bye Felicia.

55. Frankly, my dear, no.

56. Let's not and say we did.

57. I think not.

58. Yeah...No.

59. I'll sit this one out.

60. Hell to the no.

61. "Oh God. Please no. NOOOO." – Michael Scott

62. No.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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62 Ways To Say No

"I sometimes have a feeling I can do crystal meth, but then I think, mmm, better not."

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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