Ling Hi, there. It's me. How was the gym?
Ramon Oh, good. I just got back. How was your seminar?
Ling It was OK. Except I have to go again on Saturday.
Ramon You do? Oh, no. I really wanted to see you.
Ling I know. I'm sorry. But the instructor asked everyone to come to another class on Saturday.
Ramon So did you tell the instructor you have plans for Saturday?
Ling No. I mean, I wanted to say, "I'm meeting my friend," but, well, I couldn't. So much for being assertive, huh!
Ramon Right. Well, you know what? You ought to call the instructor right now and say, "I'm going to have to miss Saturday's class. I have an appointment."
Ling Oh, I can't do that.
Ramon Why not? She'll be impressed with your assertiveness!
Ling You're right. I'll call her and say I can't come. And then I'll call you back.
Ramon Great. Talk to you later. Good luck.