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Article Series: Self Improvement & Personal Growth
I Want A Better Life...NOW
5
Ways To Say "No" Without Being Rude or Impolite
Do you find it difficult to
be assertive and say "no" to people's requests? Since there just aren't
enough hours in the day to appease everyone, the art of saying "no" without
hurting the feelings of others is an important skill to acquire.
Saying "no" doesn't mean you have to be rude about
it. There are plenty of polite, yet assertive, ways you can
tell people "no" when you need to.
Here
are some ways you can say "no" without
being rude or impolite:
1. "No" to now, but "yes" to later. "I'm
very busy at the moment. Perhaps someone else can help you.
If not, I'll have time later in the week to help you out."
This is a great way to say "no." It's
assertive, but also positive and kind. You let the person
know there's
no way you can do what they're asking at the moment. However,
you give them the option to ask someone else or wait until
you have the time to help out.
2. "No" unless something changes. "I'm
very flattered that you've asked me. However, I'm not currently
in a position where I can take on this responsibility. Could
we talk about this at another time if there's a change in my
circumstances?"
This statement says "no" while still
being very polite. You let them know how thrilled you are
that they've
asked you, but then you're honest about how little time you
have to commit to their request.
3.
A definitive "No." "I hate
to disappoint you, but I'm not able to do this. I'm afraid
I'll overextend
myself."
With this statement, you express regret for
disappointing the person, yet you still let them know that
this is a solid "no." No
doubt they'll understand you don't want to overextend yourself,
which makes them sympathetic to the plight you're in as well.
This answer is very kind and polite. Plus, it allows them
to understand where you're coming from.
4. "No" to attend an event. "I
had a great time before, but I won't be able to make it this
time since
I'm already overscheduled."
Sometimes you may get asked to an event you don't want to
attend or that you just don't have the time for. You don't
have to feel obligated to go. This statement lets the person
know you've had a great time in the past, yet you're overscheduled
or busy this time around.
5. "No" to loaning money. "I
really wish I could but I make it my practice not to loan
money to friends
and family."
Money is one thing that many people ask for
from their friends and family. It's a difficult situation
since you don't want
to insult them or hurt their feelings. This statement is a
nice way to be assertive and say "no" while still
being kind.
You let them know that you wish you could loan
them the money, yet you go on to explain why you won't. You
make it clear that
this is the practice you have for everyone, and you're not
just saying "no" to him or her personally.
For some reason, parents often feel the need
to always say "yes." Whether
it's working at a PTA function, helping in your child's classroom,
or going to yet another classmate's birthday party, you may
feel like these are things you must fit into your already busy
schedule.
However,
you can take control of your family's calendar and
your sanity by saying "no" to some
offers that come your way. Saying "no" in a pleasant
tone of voice won't lose any friends; but it will allow you
to set boundaries so you can enjoy life rather than racing
through it.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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