A No is a No, No Hidden Feelings, Bro.

A: “Do you want some tea?”

B: “No.”

A: “OMG! You MUST want some tea, there has to be a hidden yes in your no.”

B: “No, bro. I really mean NO.” 

A: “Stop trying to act cute. Let me stuff some tea down your throat.” 

Of course, it HAS to be B’s fault. His clothes looked as if he must drink tea on a daily basis. His clothes have clearly established the fact that his denial for tea has a hidden approval. 

Now, really, how stupid does this sound? Just as stupid as it is when we hear people say, “She wasn’t saying no, she was just playing ‘hard to get’.” 

A NO is a NO is a God-Damn-NO. When a girl says ‘NO’ to someone, she doesn’t want to be stalked, she doesn’t want to have sex with you; when she says ‘NO’, she has not given you ANY consent whatsoever. Her clothes are not a sign of consent, her sex life is not a license, her drinking and partying habits are not an excuse; none of the above spell ‘YES’.  The only thing which really spells ‘YES’ is a ‘YES’. A ‘no’ is in no way equal to a ‘yes’. I might sound like I’m trying to teach a kindergarten kid the basics, but you’d be surprised to know how non-existent are these basics in the heads of people. 

What surprises me further is that movies, songs, and even the politicians refer to ‘stalking’ and ‘forcing’ (In much politer words, obviously) as romantic. Movies show the guy to be following the girl around, and her saying no once may mean she’s playing hard to get. Her saying no the next few times may require the guy to do something greater to express his ‘love’. Oh, how adorable! Then starts the reckless stalking, staring, blah-blah-blah, which (let us clarify for once and for all) IS NOT romantic! It is just creepy and it is PLAIN HARASSMENT. However, if she says ‘yes’ the first time, then the girl is just too easy and of course, characterless. Oh, the irony! 

Also, dear female readers, don’t leave the window open. Be clear with what you want. If you’re interested, say so; if you aren’t, say so. Don’t leave the guy feeling like a lost puppy who’s being shown the bone of a probable approval. (This can’t be used as an excuse, guys. NOTHING can be used as an excuse.) 

Guys, if you want to win hearts, don’t harass, try and do it the legit way. Be charming, not creepy.