You might think there is no right way to decline an invitation, whatever it may be for. But there absolutely is.
I love my friends, but I am surrounded by people who just don’t know how to let people down easy. Here’s a lesson for my dearest friends to better themselves one rejection at a time.
If someone is inviting you somewhere it’s probably because they actually want you to be there. So when you respond with a dry rejection, or don’t respond at all, it makes the requestor feel like crap. They feel guilty for having tried to intrude in your plans, or they feel like you simply did not want to go and you didn’t even care enough to come up with a decent excuse. Either way, it’s just not a nice feeling.
So what is the right way, you say? EASY! Just ADD something kind! Take a look at the difference:
🙁 Not Nice: I already have other plans.
🙂 Nice: Oh this sounds like so much fun! I’m so sorry that I already committed to something else, but definitely let me know for next time!
🙁 Not Nice: I can’t make it. Go without me.
🙂 Nice: Oh man, I have this really important meeting in the morning and I totally need to prepare that night. Why don’t you guys go ahead without me, and we can try again for later this month. What a bummer!
🙁 Not Nice: (No response)
🙂 Nice: I’m so sorry it took me so long to get back to you, things are crazy busy right now and I don’t even have time to write this note! Sorry that I can’t make your party, though, sounds like fun! I’ll fill you in later, we’ll talk soon when things get easier!
Signing off now with a public announcement to think about others’ feelings, guys. That’s what separates us from savages.
ina