Photo: getty
Once they've made up their mind, there's no stopping them.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Apr 05, 2018
You understand the word "no," you just don’t take it as an answer. Some people call you assertive, while others may think of you as more persistent. Whatever you want to call it, this attitude is part of your personality.
You may wonder if not being able to take "no" for an answer has something to do with astrology. And when your horoscope is constantly telling you to never accept less than you deserve and want, you're one of the persistent zodiac signs who always gets their way.
For some people, they only need to hear it once and they stop pursuing, while others may try to gently persuade the naysayer and change the "no" to a maybe. But not you! You’re direct, focused, and you act in spite of any pushback.
If everyone accepted a "no" response, then nothing would ever get done and there wouldn't be any innovations or discoveries. If explorers, scientists, and artists all accepted "no," the world would be a very boring and stagnant place.
When you’re in a tough situation and are among people who don’t share your vision, it can be challenging to persevere. But sometimes, the ultimate goals are more important than momentary conflicts.
You can’t accept "no" but that doesn't mean you have to be a jerk about it. Staying calm and using problem-solving techniques can help. You don’t want to burn your bridges and make it so you’ll never get a yes. You need to assertively persist without destroying everything or everyone around you.
Being able to tough it out, even when facing resistance, is a very good trait to have. It’s brave to continue on, even when it feels like you don’t have any support.
1. LEO (July 23 - August 22)
When a Leo is focused on achieving something, they never take no for answer. They're able to be assertive without being mean about it. It's their natural charm that helps them get what they want.
Additionally, they aim for open, honest communication, and try to be respectfully direct when they're sharing their wants, needs, ideals, and opinions. They try to remain positive when dealing with someone who may be trying to block them. Leos may disagree with someone but they'll still consider that person's feelings.
2. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns may not be able to take "no" for an answer, but they're very good at saying it. They know how to say "no" in a polite and respectful manner so that they're taking care of their needs without disrespecting someone else's. Capricorns know that telling someone "no" when they ask for a favor or to do something for them isn't being selfish, it's self-care.
This is a good way to practice being assertive without being overly aggressive. Capricorns are extremely determined, so if a "no" is against them doing something they need to do, they're going to find a way to convince that person otherwise.
3. ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Does saying "no" ever stop an Aries from doing something they really want to do? Not even close. If you tell an Aries "no," they'll just assume that you've got your priorities all screwed up or you don't know what you're talking about and do it anyway.
All a "no" does is encourage an Aries individual not to try to get permission or approval in the future. It only adds steps and time, and Aries would rather just get it down than have a whole discussion about it. "No" is a fairly useless word as far as Aries is concerned.
4. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Here's the thing about Taurus: they're extremely patient. If someone tells them "no," they'll either wait them out or come up with a new plan. They're stubborn, so if they're determined to do something, there's very little that anyone can do to stop them.
If Taurus has to push through like a bull, then that's what they're going to do. If that doesn't work, they'll dig in their heels until the person saying "no" gets so frustrated that they give in, just so they'll get Taurus off their back. Telling a Taurus no is like requesting a charging bull to stop — it's very ineffective.
5. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
A Scorpio will listen intently to what you have to say when you tell them "no," but that doesn't mean it's going to deter them from doing it anyway. Intention is everything for Scorpios, so once they decide to do something, nothing, not even a strong "no," is going to derail them.
They may try to manipulate you into changing your "no" into a "yes" or they may just come up with a secret plan and act as if they're giving up. Don't let them fool you. A "no" isn't going to stop a Scorpio from their quest.
Christine Schoenwald is a writer, performer, and teacher who loves writing and performing personal narratives. She's had pieces in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Woman's Day, Purple Clover, Bustle, and is a regular contributor to Ravishly and YourTango. Check out her website or her Facebook page.
