The Art Of Saying NO: How To Stand Your Ground, Reclaim Your Time And Energy, And Refuse To Be Taken For Granted (Without Feeling Guilty!) (The Art Of Living Well Book 1)

by Damon Zahariades

You can also force persistent and manipulative relatives to leave messages. For example, when they call you for help, let their calls roll to voicemail. When they email you, let some time pass before you reply. When they text you, resist the temptation to respond immediately. This tactic discourages urgent requests. For example, if your cousin knows that it takes you a few days to return his calls or emails, he’ll be less likely to approach you with requests that demand immediate action. These measures are designed to reset your extended family’s expectations of you. Your relatives might be offended in the beginning. They may even show signs of hostility. But with time and consistency, they’ll learn that you’re not the pushover they’ve come to expect.