The Need to Say No

Book excerpt: Healthier relationships and personal boundaries are just one word away with this inspirational guide on embracing the power of “no” Whether in love, work, family, or the world, the need to say no is sometimes imperative. And rather than accepting another transgression or being bullied, learning to set healthy boundaries is essential for our health and well-being. The Need to Say No includes helpful advice on how to say no without fear—and without injury to either party—so that you can set boundaries that lead to healthier relationships. Many people have to learn the skills to defend themselves from the inappropriate demands of others. Whether dealing with an abusive love partner, an inappropriate boss, a child that demands everything, or a societal condition that needs to stop, we have the power within ourselves to change the outcomes for the better: to be bullish without being bulldozed. The Need to Say No uses the metaphor of a bull to examine the behaviors of bullies and boundary violators, drawing from mythological, historical, and contemporary bull stories to identify ten archetypes of common aggressive personalities and how to deal with them effectively. Rich with quotes, illustrations, anecdotes, examples, tips, and more, The Need to Say No delivers a profound way to create peace at home, success at work, and real change in the world: by saying “no.”