Perhaps I'd been a slow developer, but I was well into my forties before I realized that you don't have to comply with a request just because it's reasonable or reasonably put. Age is the great dis-obliger. You can be yourself and say no.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker reflects on their personal realization that they are not obligated to agree to requests that may seem reasonable or well-presented. It suggests that reaching a certain age, referred to as the "great dis-obliger," brought about the understanding that they have the freedom to be authentic and assert their right to decline. It emphasizes the importance of self-identity and the ability to confidently say no, even in the face of social expectations or perceived reasonableness.

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