Tip # 67    And with your siblings…

Don’t procrastinate either.  Instead of putting off a project in which your older sister asked you for help, why not just tell her in a straightforward manner that you don’t have time to spare because of your school work and other commitments.  Tell her now and not later.  That way you avoid any friction.

Tip # 68    Aunt Mable means well, but…

Everyone has a doting aunt.  They think the world of us and would give us anything in the world to make us happy – including their used make-up kits, clothes and handbags.  The generational divide in fashion tastes though is too apparent to ignore. 

Don’t postpone telling your aunt Mable that you don’t want her fire engine red lipstick, her roaring 20’s dinner gown and her leopard skin handbag.  If you don’t tell her now, she’ll shower you with more undesirable gifts.  And remember what we said earlier about clutter.  The procrastinating monster rears its ugly head in between the dark recesses of your closet that’s looking more like a huge wasteland.

Tip #69     “Come with me shopping…”

Or “let’s go see a movie.”  “Let’s bar hop tonight.”  “Can you go with me to this concert?”  “Join me for dinner at my step mother’s.  I don’t want to be alone with her.” 

Do you have friends who seem to want to include you in all – and we mean all – of their activities?  Is it their constant need for company, or simply a case of not having a backbone?  If you’re not capable of a firm but polite no, you’ll receive a lot more invitations you can handle. 

Friendships have to be nurtured, but this is overkill.  Shed off your procrastination habits and tell your friend politely you can’t go out with her anymore.  She’ll survive.  Or she can find someone else to drag along.