Saying no to the group when they’re about to do something dumb costs you a laugh. Saying yes could cost a lot more.
RESILIENCE
WHAT THIS MEANS
Going along is cheap right now and expensive later; refusing is the other way round. What you lose by refusing is small and social: a joke at your expense, a few minutes of being the boring one. What you risk by agreeing can follow you into next year and beyond. The two costs are nowhere near each other in size, but only one of them is visible at the time.
Have your exit ready before the night starts. One flat sentence you do not defend, and a person you can text for a ride.
A QUESTION TO SIT WITH
When did going along with friends nearly cost you something?
MORE IN COURAGE & RISK
- When the risk involves other people’s safety, slow down. Brave decisions consider who else gets hurt.
- Taking a risk on a friend who’s changed is a kind of grace. Give the second chance with your eyes open.
- Calling a friend to walk you to your car at night isn’t timid. Smart and brave sit in the same seat.
Free, with nothing to buy inside it.