Love Is Sometimes Saying No

All of us who love deeply would like to say yes to anything our loved ones ask of us. But at times, no is the best answer.

For at times our loved ones come to us caught up in their emotions, wanting us to fulfill those emotions for something, however fleeting and shallow that object of their desire may be. The best way for us to evaluate their request is to be sincere and caring listeners, as they explain what they would like of us and why.

After listening carefully, we can reply with courtesy and respect, and if the answer is no, explain why we feel as we do. We can also listen to an appeal if there is one. But sometimes no is no. For our intent is not to prohibit a loved one from having what he or she needs, but to reflect our true interest in acting on their behalf and what we feel is reasonable for ourselves.

Hopefully we can conclude the discussion with neither party feeling manipulated or rejected, but instead both parties having had a discussion that was compassionate, loving and fair.

Dick