You don’t have to.

“No.” That’s a full sentence.

I have worked with many clients who have a hard time saying “no”. Many of my clients are women. And in our society, women saying “no” is less acceptable than men who say “no”.

So I thought I’d make a short list of ways you can say “no”, whether you’re a man or woman, boy or girl.

Ways to Say ‘No’:

1. No.
2. I’ll have to think about that.
3. I can’t, but thanks for asking.
4. I don’t have time.
5. I’m unable to do that.
6. Not this time, maybe next time.
7. I’m not sure I have the expertise in that area to help you.
8. I did it last time. I would appreciate us taking turns.
9. I’m busy, maybe next time.
10. That date doesn’t work for me, but how about this one?
11. I’m not interested in that.
12. I don’t want to.
13. No, but thanks for checking.