The Rosie and Roula Show
Welcome to the Rosie and Roula show! We have very different lifestyles and family dynamics. Rosie loves dogs. She lives the van life alone, and most days she can't be bothered to brush her hair or even look in the mirror. Roula love cats, she has three kids and a husband and doesn't dare leave the house without wearing her red lipstick.
On the surface, we're like chalk and cheese. And sometimes, our beliefs are so different that we don't see eye to eye at all. Yet we find so much knowledge and fun in the conversations we have about our lives.
We talk about insignificant matters that have a daily impact on the way we interact at work, in our family lives, friendships, and with ourselves.
Our episodes are short, sharp, and to the point. There's no chit chat or sweet talking around here. We talk about everything from our illogical pet peeves and philosophical musings to the things in society that make us go, what the fuck?
We ask the big questions. For example, should a person with a penis put down the toilet seat for a person with a vagina, or the other way around? And does it disgust you when someone licks their fingers whilst eating and then passes you the salt? Or when they burp, without saying excuse me?! And what was the one thing you heard today that put a smile on your face, and why?
Join us each week during your lunch break, a trip to the shops, or even whilst you're sitting on the toilet, for a quick dose of banter with your spicy hosts, Rosie and Roula.
The Rosie and Roula Show
110: Are You Too Polite to Say No? How to Escape Awkward Situations
We've all been there stuck in a conversation, a meeting, a moment that feels never-ending. Whether it's a neighbor who won’t take the hint, a friend oversharing at the worst time, or a social trap you didn’t see coming,how do you get out gracefully?
In this hilarious and honest episode, Rosie vents about a 3-hour ordeal involving van repairs, unsolicited help, and a man who doesn’t know a spanner from a spoon. Roula serves up the blunt truth: it’s okay to say “I want you to leave now.”
Together they unpack:
- Why it’s so hard to say no or set boundaries
- The gender dynamics that sneak into “helpful” situations
- How politeness can backfire—and what to do instead
- Practical scripts to exit awkward interactions with kindness and clarity
This one’s for the polite pushovers, the boundary-challenged, and anyone who’s ever faked a text to escape a social mess. Let’s do better next time—without guilt.
Takeaways
- Rosie shares her experience with absinthe and its cultural significance.
- Navigating social interactions can be challenging, especially with well-meaning neighbors.
- Setting boundaries is crucial in maintaining personal space and comfort.
- It's important to communicate directly when someone overstays their welcome.
- Rosie reflects on her tendency to be indirect and polite in uncomfortable situations.
- Taking responsibility for one's own feelings is essential for personal growth.
- The conversation highlights the importance of assertiveness in social situations.
- Roula encourages Rosie to be more direct in her communication.
- Self-reflection can lead to better handling of future interactions.
- Being kind to oneself is important when dealing with social challenges.
Keywords
absinthe, social interactions, boundaries, personal anecdotes, communication skills, neighborly help, assertiveness, self-reflection, problem-solving, accountability
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