Pic 0: The screen opens to one of Abby and Kate sitting across from each other, with a pop up in front of it that contains the following information:
Scenario: Abby and Kate
Abby is helping Kate study for the upcoming Economics midterm.
She wants to:
Pic 1: The pop up disappears, and the screen transitions to Abby and Kate sitting across from each other in a library at night.
ABBY: And, finally, question four. Assuming all agents are rational, is there any price at which trade would be mutually agreeable?
KATE: Ugh!
ABBY: Come on, you got this!
KATE: (scoff) Trust me, I really really don’t.
ABBY: You're worrying too much.
KATE: I'm like, I try to focus on the review questions, and I can't. My mind is going like a mile a minute.
ABBY: You'll be fine. It took me a bit, but then I like, I stuck with it, and it started to click for me.
KATE: Yeah, because you have your meds. Think I could try taking one of your pills? See if that helps me focus, like you do?
Kate’s thought: I'm not worrying too much. I'm seriously not ready for this test. Stop brushing me off.
ABBY: Sorry, I can't give you my prescription.
KATE: Can't or won't?
ABBY: Both?
COACH: Abby chose a direct refusal. This is an effective way to protect your prescription. Next time, Abby should consider saying something supportive or offering an alternative or explanation when she refuses, to help Kate understand it's not about her.
KATE: Whatever. You don’t get it.
ABBY: Don’t get what?
KATE: Like, the reason I’m not super prepared for this test is because I’ve been spread kind of thin. (sigh) My mom’s health has gotten worse. They had to take her to the hospital last week.
KATE'S THOUGHT: That's all you're going to say? "No?" I thought we were friends.
ABBY: I'm sorry to hear about your mom. At least you live close by.
KATE: Uh, I guess.
ABBY: Some people are like, super far from their family.
KATE: Uh huh. I mean, I don't really feel like "counting my blessings" right now. But thanks.
ABBY: For sure, I get that.
KATE: No matter what, I still have to get ready for this test. So, you going to help me or not? If it helps, I can like, pay you or whatever for it. Or I have some of my mom’s pain pills if you want to trade.
KATE'S THOUGHT: I’m just looking for a little help, it’s not like this is going to be a regular thing.
ABBY: It’s not really about money or anything, I’m not giving you my prescription. It’s just that simple.
KATE: Okay, fine. I guess that’s it then.
ABBY: Yeah. I don’t really know what else to say.
COACH: Abby chose a direct refusal. This is an effective way to refuse a request. If Abby’s asked again, she could consider offering an explanation, alternative, or saying something supportive, to help Kate understand it’s not about her.
ABBY: Just to ask, you're not going to ask anyone else for their meds, right?
KATE: (sigh) What do you think?
ABBY: I don’t know.
KATE: No, I'm not. Okay?
ABBY: Okay.
KATE: Okay, well, I probably have a long night ahead of me, so, I’m going to get back to it.
ABBY: Okay. We good?
KATE: Yeah, all good, I just kind of want to keep studying. See you tomorrow.
Overall Result
Abby successfully turned down Kate’s request. At times, she seemed a little hurt, but Abby stood her ground. She knows their friendship is stronger than this little disagreement.
Refusal Skills
First Request
Abby chose a direct refusal. This is an effective way to protect your medication. Next time, she should consider making a direct refusal with support, or offering an alternative or explanation when she refuses, to help Kate understand it’s not about her.
Abby said, “I can’t give you my prescription.”
Second Request
Abby chose a direct refusal. This can be effective, but Kate seemed a little hurt that her friendship didn’t deserve more than that. Abby should consider offering an explanation, alternative, or making a direct refusal with support when refusing a friend.
Abby said, “I’m not giving you my prescription. It’s just that simple.”