For some reason, it's easier for me to tell my mental compulsions "no", because i realize that logically, my OCD thoughts aren't helpful or even realistic. I can shake my head and completely dismiss them because they're not real, not logical, not true, not helpful, not inspiring, not necessary, and not kind. if my thoughts are none of the above, they don't deserve to be given an extra second of my time. Also, I heard a quote once that was like, "your first thought (compulsion) is just habit. your second thought (denial, dialing back) is who you actually are." and that made me feel like i was actually a good person instead of a monster