No means No

I have a problem confronting people in selected situations. It is really odd. Take for instance a restaurant. If a server brings me the wrong dish or the wrong drink, I just feel bad and eat it anyway. Why don't I just say something? I don't know! I just can't!

Another situation: a store. When I am shopping and an associate suggests something specific, I almost always pick it up. I don't ever want it. Then when they turn their back, I secretly put it back and run away. It is most severe when that associate follows me around making suggestions and then wants to ring me up. Then I have to buy the crappy thing that I didn't want to buy in the first place.

Here is the most extreme example of my stupidity. The other day as I was coming home from work, there were two high school/maybe college age girls standing in front of my door. Sometimes some of Mark's students stop by, so I thought it could be them. I got out of the car and they were staring at me, waiting for me. I said hi. Then one of the girls started talking really quickly and joking with me about some kind of competition. I didn't even know what she was talking about but I kept nodding. It was cold and we were standing outside so she asked if they could come in and talk to me more about it. I was like... ok (stupid!). I unlock the door and there is Mark and Eli, waiting for me to pick them up for dinner. In follow the two competition girls. Then I start to get what she is talking about. They are selling magazines. It all seemed so cliche. She isn't telling me the cost of anything and keeps talking. Meanwhile, Eli is taking their pens and throwing things at them. Then she says, "if you could have any three magazines you wanted, which of these would they be?" I pick three. She fills out an order form while I'm talking. Wish List doesn't equal Order List! She still hasn't told me the prices. Rest of the story summary, I order 2 magazines. Total is $150! I have to write them a check. She says they place the order by phone, then asks to use mine. I have to give her my cell phone, because I can't say no!! What is my problem!? Then they leave. Mark is giving me the business about being so dumb. The more I got to thinking, the more angry I was that I didn't say no. That night, I canceled my magazine subscriptions. The girls would not win their contest now. They know where I live and will probably come and slash my tires.

If that isn't the most ridiculous thing you have ever heard, I don't know what is. How am I ever going to be able to make my way through life if I give into these light pressures?

My mom has advised me to read the book Boundaries, every time something like this happens. I always say I will. Maybe someday I really will.

I bet everyone who sells nonsense for their kid's school and who is reading this, will be calling me soon. Great. I would, however, like some of those Nestle Beich Carmel Bars if anyone is selling those.