Saying no isn’t rude. Decide ahead of time what you can do. Don’t commit to what you don’t want to do and don’t give up your right to change your mind. Don’t offer excuses or apologize when you say no. Ask for what you want, but graciously accept when the answer is no.
Some helpful phrases you may want to learn:
- I'll have to think about that.
- That doesn't work for me.
- I've thought that over and changed my mind. I'm now going to...move my TV to my room...not buy the extra x, y, and z...
- We've discussed that and you have my answer.
It’s key that when the answer is no that you say it then stop talking.