Being assertive

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This is hard for me, and I've had some particular trouble with it lately.

Someone from school who almost never talks to me has suddenly started talking to me on the internet, trying to get me to design logos or pictures for, say, his dad's shop or his friend's online roleplaying game. Problem is, I don't have any ideas, and the projects themselves don't particularly appeal to me. But I can't say no, because it doesn't feel right. What am I doing wrong?

You are not keeping you two liter bottle of Mountain Dew around and practicing your rant mode. You CAN do it, I witnessed it on another forum. Think positive DejaQ!

Hey, ranting against idiocy is one thing, but it's hard when someone's asking for help.

Jeez, and I even saw an episode about this on a TV show I watch...it still seems too hard.

You got me there. Maybe if you started talking about design fees it would send him away. If you were to get general pricing info from some local professionals you could have an idea of what his dad is trying to get out of paying.

I suspect he's trying to take advantage. And I'm normally too trusting!

'but it's hard when someone's asking for help.'

Oh I know how it is, it happened to me as well with some friends. How can you say it, that you'd prefer a wage!

I think there is a rule -- take the initiative, but how, how?!

Don't mention a fee unless you are really willing to do it for that fee. If you don't want to do it at all, just say something like "Sorry, I wish I could help, but I've got a lot going on and I can't take on another project right now."

Not using the word 'NO' comes to mind as something that you are doing wrong. Take care of yourself first. It sounds selfish but actually works to everyones advantage in the end.

I shall now restate the above: Don't let people take advantage of you. friendships are built on favors, but they shouldn't start that way.