Episode 217 : Never say 'Never!' again

One morning I was running up the stairs to the floor where my desk is when I spotted my manager's manager walking down.

'Nice jacket Hyde' he remarked.

I looked down at the jacket I was wearing and almost said something flippant in an attempt to sound casual- an attitude that has been a bane since teenage years.

'Thanks' I said instead. And inwardly let out a sigh of relief. I suppose it is possible to change old habits.

* * * * *

'It is never good to say no' I advised sagely. 'Always say something that sounds positive, even if you do not intend to do anything about it. You don't say no when you are on a sales call, do you?'

She gave me a baleful look and shook her head.

With a smug expression, I then recounted the incident that happened at work.

* * * * *

'Your motorcycle is so loud that I instantly know it's you when you go past our house' he said. His wife nodded.

I rolled my eyes.

'When I hear it in the morning, I keep asking myself whose bike is it that requires quieter silencer. Now I know!' their friend said.

I had to keep mum- my protesting noises were conveniently ignored.

After the friend left, he asked me 'Why don't you ask her to join you on a ride?'

I am sure I gave a mildly shocked expression before I said no without giving any explanation.

While refusing outright adds value in the eyes of some, I am sure there is a better way to say no.