I was having a conversation the other day about how there are 2 types of people: YES people and NO people.

I realize this sounds incredibly generalizing, but hear me out.

Think about yourself. When you’re asked to attend something or hear about a new idea, what’s your initial response? 

Is it a resounding and quick, YES!

Or a NO?

Responding like this is automatic.

There may be judgment around one way being better than the other, but I don’t think that’s true. In essence, it’s simply a way we’re oriented towards the world. 

Certainly, it may be easier to be a YES person because you’re perceived as being more easy going, flexible and fun. But YES people can easily get over committed, or automatically say yes when if they thought about the invitation for one second, they might rescind their enthusiasm.

I think NO people are often misunderstood, too. Just because the initial response to an inquiry might be with a no, it doesn’t necessarily mean that person doesn’t want to do something. Often, they simply need more time to think about it. 

This is why I’m making a case for maybe.

Perhaps it sounds wishy washy, but it gives YES people and NO people a chance to think about the invitation before immediately deciding.

Imagine a scenario in which you’re being asked to attend an event, or join a club. What’s your immediate reply?

What would it feel like if you gave yourself a pause and said, maybe instead? How would that feel?

If maybe seems too vague, what about using a phrase such as: “let me think about it,” or “I’ll get back to you,” or “possibly, I need some time.”

The entire point of maybe is to disrupt your automatic response mechanism, and give yourself a moment of introspection so you can decide how you genuinely feel about the invitation. 

Make sense?

Regardless of your YES/NO orientation, maybe is a great addition.

Why not give it a try and see if it makes a difference for you?

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Image courtesy of 1195798 from Pixabay.