SAYING "YES" EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE SAYING "NO."

Let's consider on implication of the "Yes! and ..." game

for collaborating with one another offstage.

Saying "yes" is an important way to keep a friendship going. This doesn't mean agreeing with everything another person says. It does mean affirming that you heard what the other person has said. Listening comes first in friendship. Letting your friend talk while you listen helps you discover more about who your friend is.

There will be times, however, when your friend may say something you find disagreeable. What then? How can you say, "yes," when you really mean, "no"? One suggestion is to ask a question. this gives your friend a chance to say more that may help you understand better. It also helps that friend know that you were listening and that you care about what was just said. The way you ask the question can hint that there may be some disagreement, but, by asking instead of telling, you are being affirmative rather than negative.

• Asking a question gives you time to think about what your friend is saying.
• It opens up possibilities for further conversation in a way that a mere "no" probably would not.

When you find it hard to say "yes,"

frame your response as a question instead.

your friend will surely appreciate it.