JUST SAY NO

Emily Post, the founding mother of American etiquette, has been quoted as having said "Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use."

So I am trying very hard to learn how to say no without hurting any one's feelings.

Like when my son brings me home a Frosty from Wendy's.

When my daughter offers to buy me lunch (well, okay, that happens about twice a year, and I normally refuse because it just comes out of the money I've given her for the week).

If someone brings warm, homemade cookies to a church function.

And when I walk past my own private stash of chocolate chips - I mean, they can give me such a pleading, longing look.

I try to remain strong and yet be culturally correct and sensitive to sensitive emotions... but mainly just my own.