VERBAL KARATE – What to Say When No is What You Want to Say No!

The most important thing we learn as we grow up is that we don’t have to justify or be defensive about our decisions to do what we consider the right things for us.

However, we can phrase rejections of others’ ideas in ways that don’t sound like personal rejections of them. Here’s a roundup of ways to say No and still leave others feeling unthreatened or criticized.

Your friends as they smoke outside class: “Have a smoke.” Or “Have a Chew” Or, “Here, have a wad on me.”

You: “No, thanks.”

If they persist, you can choose to offer a non-critical reason – or not.

You: No, thanks. I just had my teeth [cleaned] [whitened] and tobacco makes your teeth get yellow.

You: No, thanks. I don’t like the taste of tobacco.

You: No, thanks. I have to run [or play football] or [workout] and it shortens my breathing.

You: No, thanks. I’m allergic to tobacco.

You: No way. My parents would skin me alive.

Or you may deflect the offer by using questions:

Wow, do your folks know you smoke?

Isn’t it really expensive to smoke? I know I couldn’t afford it.

Did you know that most [boys] or [girls] say they don’t like to date anyone who smokes?

This is what one 19-yearold Texan college student told me when I asked him if he smoked:

“I don’t smoke. Why? Because I know the health hazards connected with smoking and I don’t want to do that to my body.”

Now, have fun. Slam my suggestions and come up with your best shots!!!!
Resources: www.girlshealth.gov, www.freevibe.org, www.girlpower.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.tobacco.org, www.nida.gov, www.tobaccofreekids.org, www.drugabuse.gov, www.cancer.gov,