No

Could you hear a no with grace? To see it as a change of direction rather than rejection. Can you say ‘no’ or ‘I can’t’ or ‘I don’t want to do that’ to others without guilt or over-explaining or needing to apologise? I still find it hard to say no without explaining why or apologising to close friends. With strangers it’s only slightly easier. With no, it feels new to be straightforward, which is what it sounds like without apology or guilt. I’m getting used to it though it doesn't feel natural or nice. It still has consequences. I don’t much like hearing no from others either. Acceptance rather than grace is often enough.