Just Say "Yes" to "Yes" or "No"

"Yes" is good and "No" is good. What's infuriating is when someone says "Yes" then does the opposite. It's also annoying when someone says "No", thereby leading you to believe they did not mean "Yes", only to discover later that this person's "No" simply meant "I changed my mind, okay, like is it a crime?" No, of course, it is not a crime, only confusing, particularly when said person does this quite often.

So, "Yes" is good and "No" is good, let's just mean it when we use these words.

"Yes" opens up opportunities. "Yes" allows a possibility to become a reality. "Yes" affirms that what was only a concept can now become a strategic plan, at least get us moving in that direction. "Yes" carries risk, because other people now assume your position and respond accordingly. "Yes" should only be used with stated confidence, otherwise we should qualify it with "I think so." "I think so" is much better than saying "Yes" only to later renege.

"No" is good, but closes action. There is incredible power in "No". Something that could have happened is now terminated. When used appropriately, "No" clarifies and allows a future possible "Yes", but for now what could be is not an option. "No" does not necessarily preclude an action or a relationship. It means the future must be worked on before a "Yes" can be issued. Like "Yes", "No" should only be used with stated confidence. If such confidence does not exist, then "I don't think so" is better.

One more thing: "I think so" does not mean "Yes" and "I don't think so" does not mean "No." To think they do is only an admission of ambiguity. Each of these reponses is of utmost importance should quality communication be achieved. When these four responses are used in sloppy fashion and indiscriminately, confusion will surely reign. Just say "Yes" to either "Yes" or "No", or honestly qualify your response, and our understanding and appreciation for each other will dramatically improve. And that's good. Very good.