How do you say "NO" to an invitation?
By dorisday1971
@dorisday1971 (5657)
Philippines
September 12, 2010 11:11am CST
There are times when we don't feel like attending the ocassion where we get invited. It becomes awkward for us to say NO pointblank to the person who invited us. At times we simply don't want him to get insulted that we resort to many excuses just to avoid attending the ocassion.
How do you say NO without hurting or insulting the person who invited you?
2 people like this
15 responses
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
12 Sep 10
i would say that i cannot make it to the invitation. I would give the exact reason why i can't go and i would hope that the person inviting me would consider that i am not really turning down the invitation for nothing because i have clearly given my reason for not being able to make it.
1 person likes this
@dorisday1971 (5657)
• Philippines
14 Sep 10
Yeah, a dinner with your family is indeed a commitment in itself.
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
13 Sep 10
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1 person likes this
@kuro123qwer (33)
• India
13 Sep 10
i honestly say No on my will.
i only say yes when there's something interesting
say no honestly can't hurt anyone
if it does hurt, that person can't read anyone.
1 person likes this
@emgee595 (335)
• Philippines
13 Sep 10
Hi Dorisday1971...The best way of declining an invitation is to be sincere when telling the person who is inviting you that you cannot attend the event/occasion. You can give him/her a valid reason why it is impossible for you to attend. Of course, don't forget to thank her/him for inviting you. Assure him/her also that you will try your best so you won't miss his/her special event.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Sep 10
hi dorisday I always try to be as honest as I can without being
rude or mean or too blunt. the best thing is to say I wish you
had come earlier as I promised I was going to attend a movie with
my son and his friend. another time I would be delighted to take
you up on your invitation. this usually seems to be a satisfactory
turn down.,![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
12 Sep 10
I would just say I'm sorry but I can't make it this time. There is no reason to really go into any excuses unless he is rude enough to ask you pointblank why. If he does you can just tell him you have some other things going on and that you will catch him next time. That's just the way I would do it though. Keeping it simple has always worked out the best for me.
1 person likes this
@BlueGoblin (1829)
• United States
13 Sep 10
People shouldn't feel insulted and you shouldn't feel guilt for saying "no" to an invitation.
1 person likes this
@ruthhazel (213)
• Philippines
12 Sep 10
I will say I have other schedule or appointment. And I will say if next time if I have a free time and budget...
1 person likes this
@mychickencurry (317)
• Philippines
13 Sep 10
I guess creating white lies is not bad thing to do right? Instead of directly saying "NO", why not creating white lies? just make sure it'll sound very realistic, because when they found out that you lied you will double the hurt and insulting.
;p
@akn1961 (1034)
• India
12 Sep 10
nowadays people do not want listen which they do not like best way to deal is speak that you are illall of sudden or your bike or car has given problem or you have gone to hospital to attend somebody ,your work will be done and he will not feel bad ,thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@ergfortes (516)
• Philippines
12 Sep 10
Yes it is hard most of the time to say NO but i'd rather say it than not be there when i say i will. When i know i can't go or doesn't want to go i politely excuse myself i'd rather hurt the person now than let him expect something from me which for sure will hurt him more if i can't deliver.
1 person likes this
@anurag3786 (6267)
• India
13 Sep 10
I simply say no.. if i don't get time to go their.. because of my busyness.. and if i told them for my problems then i think they don't get it any serious matter.. so i think.. i am able to say simply no.. if i am unable to attend any party or ocassions..![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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