Now I haven’t read this entire book but Nanner has and he loved it!
There is this fantastic technique called “broken record”. You can use this technique to get things you need or set boundaries.
Here is an example:


Margaret: Nanner can you take three hours of your time and help me make some raw cake?
Nanner: No I am sorry I have a singing lesson today.
Margaret: Come on Nanner! Please I could really use the help.
Nanner: No I am sorry I have a singing lesson today.
Margaret: It probably will really only take one hour, thats not too much of your time you can get to your singing lesson right after!
Nanner: I know you could use my help but no I am sorry I have a singing lesson today.
Margaret: But Nanner I am your friend. I really need help making this cake. I can’t do it without you!
Nanner: No I am sorry I have a singing lesson today.
Margaret: Ok {defeated}


This technique has helped me in more ways than one. It can help with pushy people {as you just saw} and it can help get something you need. In the book there is a fantastic dialogue with a man who bought some meat and left it at the store. He goes back to the store and has a talk with the clerk. The man keeps repeating in a non abrasive tone “I want my meat”. He repeats this to anything the store clerk says. The man got his meat!



Broken record and many other great techniques are from the book “When I say no I feel guilty” by: Manuel J. Smith, Ph.D. Find it on my resources page:}