This week and next week on The Best of You podcast, we're getting into 3 types of "No"—including practical strategies, and scripts, for how to say No in different situations. 

First up is how to say no in healthy relationships. This episode is for you if you struggle to set a boundary, state a preference, or honor your own limits **even with people you know would respect you if you did.**

It's hard to disappoint people. It's hard to assert honest needs, wants, and preferences when you've been conditioned to please others, fawn, or always put others first. So today we're focusing on how to exercise your "no muscle" even with people you love.

Here's what we discuss:

1. Why learning to say “no” is vital for the the ongoing health of your relationships

2. 5 steps to develop your “no” muscle 

3. Why criticism is tempting and how to avoid it

4. How to use “I statements” (and when not to)

5. Scripts for 3 different situations

6. What about when someone says no to you?

7. The hardest category of No I think we all have to face

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Find a list of resources and the full transcript for this episode here.

Music by Andy Luiten

Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik

While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.

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