Two simple letters, yet so difficult to say

We can all agree that saying "no" can cause us discomfort in so many cases, and we have all (or a huge majority of us) been in a position of not being able to say “no” and accept extra workload, an RSVP for an event we didn’t want to attend or even a purchase that we could have easily skipped.

However, this little word is a very important skill -so important that it can be considered part of our self-care!

Even though we find it challenging to use this small -but powerful word-, it’s an essential skill for maintaining boundaries and managing our time effectively.

It's important to be able to express yourself clearly and respectfully while still preserving relationships either with your colleagues or your loved ones. Therefore, setting boundaries and learning to say no is good for you. Not being able to say “no” when you can’t keep up with your current workload and when you are too tired to go to this gallery opening can impact your body and your mental health. Overcommitting is so last year! And burnout is more relevant than ever.

The word “no” is a very important word to help you maintain healthy boundaries and it can have important benefits to your stress levels and wellbeing.

However, it’s not always easy to say “no”, especially when you need to address that to a loved one or to your favorite colleague. We have learned since we were kids that we must be respectful and polite to everyone around us, and for some -strange- reason, we correlate being polite with saying “yes.” Another reason that blocks us from avoiding this little magic word is imposter syndrome. The more we doubt ourselves, the more we tend to agree with others, from fear to seem incompetent. Also, let's agree that a reason that sometimes we cannot decline a task, an invitation, etc. is guilt. Guilt of disappointing our loved ones or our business partners.

If you, too, are struggling with saying no and end up suppressing yourself every time someone asks you for something, we gathered 50 phrase that can replace the word “no”, but are still polite and boundary safe!

50 Alternatives To The Word "No"

I appreciate your offer, but I'm unable to.

Thank you for thinking of me, but I won't be able to.

I'm flattered, but I must decline.

I'm sorry, but I can't.

I'd love to, but unfortunately, I can't.

I'm unavailable at the moment, but perhaps another time?

I'm committed to something else, but thank you for asking.

I'm not the right person for this, but I know someone who might be.

I'm interested in something similar, but not this.

I appreciate the offer, but I'm looking for something different.

I need to prioritize other things right now.

I'm not comfortable with that.

I don't think it's the right fit for me.

I'm not ready for that yet.

I'm not interested in that.

I'm truly grateful for your offer, but I must decline.

Thank you for considering me, but it's not for me.

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I'm not available.

I'm flattered by your invitation, but I can't make it.

Thank you for thinking of me, but I have other plans.

Let me think about it and get back to you.

I need some time to consider this.

I'll get back to you on that.

I'm not sure about that yet.

Can we discuss this another time?

That sounds interesting, but it's not for me.

I understand what you're saying, but it's not a good fit.

I'm not sure that would work for me.

I appreciate your suggestion, but I have a different plan.

I'm focused on something else right now.

No, thank you.

I'm sorry, but my answer is no.

I've made my decision, and it's no.

I appreciate your persistence, but the answer is still no.

No, and that's final.

Humorous (Use with Caution)

Tempting, but I'm already booked solid.

I'd love to, but my clone is busy.

That sounds fun, but my couch is calling my name.

I'm allergic to commitments.

I'm currently out of "yeses."

Focusing on the Positive

I'm excited about other opportunities.

I'm looking forward to something different.

I'm focusing on my own goals right now.

I have other priorities at the moment.

I'm happy with my current situation.

I respect your offer, but I can't accept.

I value your friendship, but I must decline.

I understand where you're coming from, but no.

I appreciate your point of view, but I disagree.

I respect your decision, but mine is different.

So, next time you don’t feel like doing something, or you have a lot on your plate, use one of the above answers to politely say no!

Extra tip: You can print this list and keep it around so that you get inspired all the time! Find it here