This week, the most interesting piece in the New York Times Style Section was not a preview of Fashion Week. Instead, it was a profile of Charles Ommanney, the husband of Real Housewife of D.C.’s Cat Ommanney. In the interview Charles says that signing on to the Bravo reality show was one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
While many, certainly his wife, seem enamored with the glare of the spotlight, Charles says he did not enjoy being taped for fame.
In a way, I was naïve and foolish to sign off on doing this,” he said. “But, at the end of the day, it was innocent. I wanted happiness for someone I was in love with. I put all my reservations aside and said: ‘Go for it. Do it if it makes you happy.’ Then I regretted it. I lost touch with everyone, and mix that with my marriage falling apart and the show taking over, it was very sad.
As much as we often don’t relate to the media circus that these Housewives and their spouses agree to, I think Charles’ reflections care a great point to consider for all Mesdames. While we can overcome any obstacle and reach every height, why is it that the little word ‘no’ can be such a stumbling block?
Despite our aims to please our boss and to rise to the occasion, a little ‘no’ can go a long way. When correctly applied, ‘no’ can tell a client you are unafraid to give a hard answer even if it’s the right one. It can tell your supervisor you prioritize your most important work. And you’d be surprised, ‘no’ can even tell a co-worker ‘Mama didn’t raise no fool.’
The key to using ‘no’ right is to use it smarter and bolder. Saying ‘no’ to hard work “just because” will leave you saying yes to a pink slip. And saying ‘no’ timidly is just as futile, it’s the fastest way to let everyone around you know that you won’t hold your ground.
So this week draw a line in the sand and say ‘no’ more often. Choose to make some hard choices before bad ones. Because as the saying goes: discipline weighs ounces, while regret weighs tons.
