Eve Di Potenza

How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

No is a word I only learned after I had kids. I’m a pretty easy-going person. When it started to become a situation where compromising myself for others ended up compromising my kids, I started to learn to say no. The biggest shock was to my extended family, and we don’t talk anymore.

Hey Eve, can I drop by at 1 AM with my creepy friends and crash on your couch? Nope.

Hey Eve, I’m flying into town. I’m going to borrow your car, drop your kids off at school, then I’ll pick them up around 6 or so when I’m done with my conference. Your elementary kids can just play on the playground unattended until I’m ready, and then I’ll take everyone out to dinner. Nope.

Hey Eve, I’m so glad you live near the airport. Now my friends can drop their car off and park it in your garage for 3 months while they travel south. First, you can drop them off at the airport at 4 am and then park out on the street all winter, even though you have a little baby, and they’ll give you a hundred dollars for your trouble. Also, go into their car once a week and wipe it down for dust. Last time, they were unimpressed with how dusty you left their car, and make sure you move it every few days, but don’t drive it. Hmmm, Nope.