Mike DomitrzPresident, Author, and Speaker on Respect, The Center for Respect, Inc. · Author & Speaker on Respect for Schools, Corporations, & the Military since 1990 (has reached

Power of saying no

10 Oct 2025 · 1 min

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In this monologue, speaker Mike Domitrz argues that saying "no" is one of the most empowering and kind actions a person can take—for both themselves and the other person. He illustrates the point with a scenario where someone asks for a kiss and receives a misleading "yes" that actually masks a lack of desire. By pretending to consent, the asker creates false hope and emotional confusion. Domitrz explains that a clear "no" respects the other person's boundaries, avoids deception, and honors the speaker's own wishes, making the interaction more honest and kinder overall.

Chapters

No is one of the most empowering, kind words you can ever say for yourself and the other person, by the way. Some of you are going, what do you mean the other person? Let me explain. If I say to somebody, can I kiss you? And they say yes, they don't want to kiss me, right? What is my brain thinking as they're kissing me? They're into me or not into me? What is it assuming the fact they're kissing me back? Into me or not into me? What's it assuming? Into me. Is this actually not kind? It's not kind. I'm getting my hopes up over somebody who's not into me. Right? But they've said yes like they are into me. It's not kind. You'd be way kinder to say no, and I know where I stand. That'd actually be more respectful. But more importantly, you're honoring what you want or don't want to do, right? You're not faking something just to make somebody happy.