by Leonore Dicker

Every day, someone will ask you for something. Whether they ask for a favor or for a meeting, they’ll expect a reply. Most of us have a tendency to agree to things, simply because saying “no” makes us feel uncomfortable. We all want to be liked and saying no to things can sometimes mean upsetting people.

To avoid feeling guilty, here are four tips that will help you say “no” nicely.

Anticipate

If you have a feeling that someone will ask you for something, make sure to plan ahead and rehearse saying “no”. This will make the whole thing much easier as you’ll be prepared and have a firm answer ready.

Sleep on it

If you find yourself in a tricky situation where a request takes you by surprise, reply by saying that you’ve got to think about it or that you have to check your schedule. This will give you a little time to come up with a firmer reply.

Be Positive

It is crucial to begin with a positive statement when saying “no” to something. For instance, you could say “thank you for thinking of me, but sadly I won’t be able to make it” or “I am flattered that you are asking for my help, unfortunately I am busy next week”.

Be Clear

If you truly can’t commit to something, don’t promise anything you can’t deliver. It can be quite tempting to say “maybe next time” – but avoid doing so, unless you actually mean it.