Thanks for your comments, Joanie.  My friend really shook me with that question.  I had yet ANOTHER situation recently that challenged me in this area, i.e. trusting the person could take my rejection, and I failed again!  I realized through that one that I also need to trust myself to handle their potential negative reaction.  We are all learning, still.  And yes, these realizations are empowering.  Thank you for your comments.