No, you can't have a raise .
.
.
No, you can't go to the show tonight .
.
.
No, you can't have an extra $5.
00 .
.
.
No, you can't have a new dress .
.
.
BUT .
.
.
And there should always be one .
.
.
You CAN have, be, do something else.
Why make "no" mean what it has meant to generations of people? Point in Progress here ==> What does "no" mean to you? No.
Period.
End of discussion.
Youch! No, you can't have a raise, BUT .
.
.
I realize you have been working long, hard hours, and putting a lot of your own sweat into this project.
I want you to know that I appreciate it, and I won't forget it.
No, you can't go to the show tonight, BUT .
.
.
I have enough money in the budget to rent a movie, and I don't mind if you invite a close friend over to share it.
I'll even make some popcorn and bake your favorite cookies.
No, you can't just have an extra $5.
00 tonight, BUT .
.
.
If you'll do some extra chores around the house, we'll see if I can come up with an extra $5.
00 by next week end.
No, you can't have a new dress, BUT .
.
.
I can help you sew one.
We'll make a girls' night every week until we get it done.
I'll make some brownies, and if you want a friend to come help, I think it will be fun.
Why not make refusals fun? Why not give hope in everything that we do? "You want to make love tonight, Honey?" "No, BUT .
.
.
after you help me with dishes we can snuggle.
" You saw that one coming, didn't you.
Note: Now, please don't write and say that "but" is a negative.
I am hoping every time you say "but" in the manner it is intended above, that your eyebrows wriggle and your eyes twinkle.
OK? Thank you for reading.
Jan