42 Ways to Say ‘No’

(or to Buy Time Until You Can)

When Asked to do Something With or For Someone:

  1. The enthusiastic [polite/helpful] part of me would like to say yes, but the rest of me is over-committed [more realistic/unwilling]
  2. I don’t know. I’ll have to think that over.
  3. No Way!
  4. I don’t have my calendar with me, but I can call and let you know tomorrow.
  5. I’m going to pass. I’m really trying to slow down my pace these days.
  6. No, I can’t make it after all. But it was nice of you to ask.
  7. Now there’s an idea I’ll have to think about!
  8. Sorry, I’m already booked.
  9. Don’t count on it.
  10. Thanks, but I’m way too tired.
  11. No, that’s not really my thing.
  12. Don’t hold your breath!
  13. I have an appointment that day / night.
  14. Dream on!
  15. I’m not sure if I’m free that day / night. Let me check and call you tomorrow.
  16. not in a million years!
  17. Or, depending on your spiritual beliefs: Not in this lifetime!
  18. That part that loves you wants to say yeas, but the rest of me won the vote.
  19. I’ll pass.
  20. Thanks, but I don’t think I will.
  21. no way, Jose’!
  22. That doesn’t work for me. Or, that doesn’t fit for me.
  23. Oh, that sounds interesting. Let me think about it and get back to you.

    When Someone Does, Asks, or Says Something That Feels Invasive or That You Disagree With

  24. I’m not comfortable with that.
  25. I’d like to ask you not to _________.
  26. I’d like to ask you to stop ________.
  27. I’d like to ask you to __________.
  28. Whoops! That’s private!
  29. I’m uncomfortable right now with what you’re saying/doing.
  30. That would be telling!
  31. I don’t feel like talking about it.
  32. I want to keep that to myself.
  33. That’s my business.
  34. I’m surprised you think you have a right to that information.
  35. What’s it to you?
  36. Sorry, that’s classified!
  37. I see it differently than you do.
  38. We don’t agree about that.
  39. I have a different point of view.
  40. None of your beeswax!
  41. My experience of __________ is somewhat different.
  42. I value your opinion. Mine’s different in this case.



Survivor




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