“No.” is a complete sentence. It is short and simple but not easy to say when you’re a people pleaser. I’ve always cared more than I should about what others think, so I shocked myself when I said “No” to someone at the gym.
I was setting up for a group strength training class. The space was filling up, and we were trying to make room for everyone. I was already in a spot when another student asked if I wanted to move up to the front. Without hesitation, I blurted, “No.” It was such a quick and assertive response that I amused and surprised myself. I should have stopped at “no,” but I jokingly followed up with, “front and center? Since you asked if I wanted to and gave me a choice, I said no.” I didn’t need to explain because “No.” is a complete sentence.
Still, I contemplated my response. As someone who is usually adaptable and easygoing when it comes to something like this, I wondered, “Did it sound rude? Did I seem unreasonable? Was it a big deal?” After all, I was in the first row with the instructor in front of me during a previous class. (Granted, it was the only spot left when I entered the room.) Would I have asked these questions of someone else if they said no? (Perhaps, if I thought they were being difficult.)
No one gave me a hard time about it, so it’s funny that I overthought it. The woman who asked didn’t care that I said no and found someone else to move up. Some other students even laughed. I’m proud of myself for saying “No,” even for something minor. My next step is to work on not overthinking or feeling like I must explain myself because “No.” is a complete sentence.
