How To Say "No"

We have been taught to help people whenever we can. Usually, we forget about the whenever we can part and say yes whenever someone asks us to do anything even when it hurts us, or disturbs our schedule. It's a common habit mostly in girls. But it's high time now that we should learn to stand up for ourselves and learn to say 'no', a strong, firm NO when we don't want to do something or don't want something happening to us. Here are some ways we can say 'no' while being courteous and polite but yet, firm:

1.“I can’t commit to this as I have other priorities at the moment.”

It's polite yet firm. This lets the person know that you have your plate full at the moment and can't add another task to your already long list.

2. “Now’s not a good time as I’m in the middle of something. How about we reconnect at X time?”

Of you want to help them but just don't have the time at the moment, tell them this. This way, they don't feel completely blown off and you can help them at your convenience.

3. “I’d love to do this, but …”

Perhaps you want to do this, but you just don't have any time. You're really busy and cannot jump right into the task that they offer. Use this as a gentle way of saying no, for now. Or a way of saying maybe. This way, whenever you find yourself having some time in your hand, you can get back to them and help them in whatever they wanted.

4. “This doesn’t fit with what I’m looking for now - but I’ll keep you in mind.”

If someone keeps pestering you to help them and they are clearly unable to understand a simple No, then use this to let them know that you just simply can't afford to help them. You have enough responsibilities and work right at the moment and theirs fits nowhere in your schedule. This ends the discussion as well.

5. “I’m not the best person to help on this. Why don’t you try X?”

You feel like you are not the one they should ask, that you won't be able to do it properly or just can't do the work at all, then say this to let them know they they are knocking at the wrong door. If you can, if it's possible, lead them to someone who can help them and has the time to do it.

6. “No, I can’t.”

Ah, the simple pleasures. If you don't want things to drag on and want to avoid a discussion which will only waste your time and spoil your mood, a simple, short No is suffice to let them know that you're unwilling to do what they are asking you to do.

This is an abridged version of blog whose link is given below:

Source: http://zenhabits.net/say-no/