23 Things It’s Okay to Say “No, But” To

The Second City had a big week.

We launched this kick-ass new website.

Our business-type people (formerly known as Second City Communications) got a brand new name. Pleased to meet ya, Second City Works.

Then, two of our fearless leaders, Second City’s Executive Vice President Kelly Leonard and the CEO of Second City Works, Tom Yorton, released a book. The book looks like this:

You should read it.

If you’re on this site, you’re probably into improv. And if you’re into improv, then the phrase “yes, and” isn’t new to you. It’s what we live and breathe. It’s what makes our world go ’round. “Yes” is Left Shark, and “And” is Right Shark.

But sometimes… you gotta say no.

We asked our friends at the newly monikered Second City Works– and “Yes, And” co-author Kelly Leonard– a very important question:

So when’s it okay to say “no, but”?

Here are 23 of their answers that you may want to print out and keep in your wallet for emergencies.

Second City Works Presents: 23 Things It’s Okay to Say No To

(in no particular order)

• A second date at Chili’s
• After-work drinks with that handsy guy from Accounts Receivable
• Designer track suits
• Letting your children watch Nationwide’s Super Bowl ads
• The group outing to Joliet to “experience” a Molly Hatchet cover band
• Any hump day joke
• An in-depth discussion about your cuticles
• Free sushi
• A trip to Ikea
• Asking me to hold your baby
• Sending me Candy Crush invites… for the love of god, please stop people!
• The McRib
• Fox News
• Game Day Pete Carroll
• Facebook
• Kale
• Pocket Squares
• #Hashtags
• A Yelp review of your local gym
• Throwing on 2nd and goal from the 1 with the Super Bowl on the line when your running back is nicknamed “Beast Mode”
• Joining Leonardo DiCaprio’s harem of women
• “You work at Second City?  Say something funny!”
• Lists

Yes, And is available now. Second City Works is available always.