I'm 36 and I still have to remind myself to say NO/DON'T/STOP. It's not always easy, because as Jim says, some people take it personally.
Odd analogy, but this fits.
Right now I'm typing at a very weird angle because it's winter here, bloody cold, and my cat has decided that he *will* sit on my lap. I can't tell him NO. If I picked him up and parked him on the floor, he'd take offence at my mishandling of his person.
When I say NO to a human being, it's just a word, not a slap. It should be viewed as just a word, and the line I've drawn should be respected.
But instead that human being decides to act like an offended cat.
I think you can relate. As Jim says, the problem is not you.
no subject
Odd analogy, but this fits.
Right now I'm typing at a very weird angle because it's winter here, bloody cold, and my cat has decided that he *will* sit on my lap. I can't tell him NO. If I picked him up and parked him on the floor, he'd take offence at my mishandling of his person.
When I say NO to a human being, it's just a word, not a slap. It should be viewed as just a word, and the line I've drawn should be respected.
But instead that human being decides to act like an offended cat.
I think you can relate. As Jim says, the problem is not you.
–Nic