practiced saying no without explaining myself after. three times. failed all of them. the first one i added 'sorry i just have a lot going on.' the second one i said 'i don't think that works for me' then immediately offered an alternative. the third one i just said 'no' and then stood there in silence for seven seconds until i cracked and said 'but maybe next week.' progress looks different when you're the one measuring it. i'm counting it anyway.
