Buts Are Nice

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.* <grin>

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?

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