I'm reading *The Coaching Habit* to improve my 1:1s, and a quote by Peter Block stuck with me: an adult-to-adult relationship means asking for what you want, accepting 'No,' and negotiating differences.

While I've grown comfortable hearing 'No,' saying it remains tough—especially in conflicts. At a coffee shop where I practice yoga, office workers kept turning on the AC during our rented morning hours. I negotiated that the unit blowing into our room stay off, which worked temporarily.

Later, I found both ACs left on all night, with a taped note reading 'Do not turn the AC off.' My instinct was to comply, but remembering Peter Block's advice, I overrode that voice and turned them off.

A call came through the caretaker—some authority figure demanded I turn the AC back on, citing vague compressor and cost issues. He accused me of ignoring the note. I stood firm, explaining the room is unusable for yoga with the AC on and that we'd paid rent. He ended by saying he'd terminate the contract and issue a refund. I agreed and hung up.

For many, saying 'No' isn't considered an option—due to upbringing or personality. But Peter Block reminds us that between adults, 'No' is always valid. Next time you're asked to do something, pause and consider saying 'No' more often. The other party should expect it—and be ready to negotiate.