Don’t say “no” for them.

Client: There’s a thing I want from another person.

Me: Have you asked the person for the thing?

Client: No.

Me: What’s stopping you from asking the person for the thing?

Client: There are Reasons they might have for saying no.

Me: Those sound like potentially valid Reasons. What is stopping you from asking the person for the thing?

Client:

Me:

Client: I am afraid they will say no.

Me: How is it better for you that you say no to yourself without asking them for the thing?

Client: I will not make them feel awkward by making them say no.

Me: How will they feel if you take away their power to say yes?

Client:

Me:

Client: Okay, I see your point.