You say no kindly, mean it, and don't apologize for it. The line is visible — and warm.
You say no like it's a normal word, because to you it is. The favor you can't do, the cash you won't lend a third time, the hug that went four seconds too long — you name the line, kindly and clearly, and you don't follow it with a paragraph of guilt or a week of silence. You've figured out the thing the other types are still fighting: that a boundary isn't a rejection of the person, it's the only thing that lets you actually stay close to them without resentment. You can disappoint someone and still love them, and you trust that the right people won't leave over a no. They usually love you more for it.
Get your read — free on iPhoneyou say no like a normal word and still keep the person. turns out the line was never the thing pushing people away.