The Perfect Way of Saying No

It can be awkward to refuse an offer or request but it's essential to our well-being

Being able to say “no, thank you,” is a prerequisite to managing your time and saying “yes” to what really matters. Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

My 3-year old is better than me at some things. Yes, it’s tough to admit. I so often focus on what I need to be teaching my daughter, it’s easy to overlook what she teaches me.

As we were having lunch one day, I asked her if she wanted her favorite lunchmeat, salami. Out of her mouth came three words I had never before heard her utter, “No, thank you.” As I picked my jaw up off the floor, I asked her where she had heard that. “From myself, Mama.”