What’s essential to realize is that regardless of the answer you
receive, you have a range of responses available to you.
“Yes” is one, of course. You can always say Yes. But you don’t
have to say Yes, and your sense of obligation to say Yes is the
source of your anxiety.
“No, I can’t do that” is another option. Having the courage to
say No is one of the ways you stop being so “helpful.”
“I can’t do that... but I could do [insert your counter-offer]” is a
nice middle ground. Don’t just give them a No; give them some
other choices.
And finally, you can just buy yourself some time. “Let me think
about that.” “I’m not sure—I’ll need to check a few things out.”
Avoid the Rescuer Sucker Punch with This New Habit
It’s hard enough, when someone starts telling you what’s go-ing
on, to resist moving into advice-giving, solution-providing mode.
It feels nearly impossible when someone asks you a question that’s
a direct appeal for your advice: “How do I...?” or “What do you
think I should do about...?” Seductive and dangerous, this is the
cheddar on the mousetrap, the light on the mosquito zapper, the
block of chocolate in the cupboard. Before you know what’s
happening, you’re giving an answer.