Learn to say NO, so we don't waste each other's time and energy.
Learn to say NO, because it's fair for both of us.
Learn to say NO, because if we're both mature, we won't take it personally. If I take it personally, it's not your fault. I may need to go through a process to understand that a NO isn't necessarily negative.
Learn to say NO, because once we know it's a NO, we can focus on other things that may lead to many YESes.
Learn to say NO, because even though you have power, you can't break me down.
Took me long to learn this, and I’m still on the journey, but totally worth the awkwardness for the incredible sense of empowerment it brings.