I know it’s not easy. In fact, something it can be so tough to say no. By virtue of human nature - we want to be agreeable, we want to be liked, and we want to be kind (Labrie, 2007). So how do you say no, you have every right to say no without feeling guilty, and as long as you don’t do it in an offensive way. The decline an invitation doesn’t mean you’re rejecting the person who sends it to you. It’s simply a statement that you are unable to attend whatever you’ve been invited to.
You don’t have to explain anything, just assure the person that you would not miss it for anything that’s unimportant. And if the situation changes, you will let them know. For example, I’m sorry, I have a prior engagement at the same time that I already agreed to. Thank you so much for thinking of me. It is clear, simple and you don’t need to provide detail. Here, are few tips on how to turn down an invitation in the most polite way.
1. Don’t Ignore the Invitation: Direct ignoring the invitation shows that you don’t know proper manner, and you might be left off the guest list for his/her next party (Ellen & Herbert, Dec., 1990). So, first, putting the invitation aside to deal with later isn’t good for you or the person who send it. He/she needs to know whether or not you’ll be there.
2. Don’t Wait: As soon as possible, you reply back to him/her. You will be unable to go there, let the person know. Most events require planning and budgeting.
3. Be thankful: Always give thank the person for inviting you and let him/her know that you’re honored that he/she’d think highly enough of you to send the invitation.
4. Be Honest: You never ever have to come up with false excuses for why you’re unable to go to event, but you also don’t have to go into detail. Let him/her know that you already have plans. That should be enough.
5. Ask for Next time: If the invitation is exclusive to you, let the person know you’re unable to make it at the time he/she requested, but you’d love to get together with her at another time.
6. Don’t over - explain: Keep your explanation short and to the point. Doing otherwise will make it sound like you’ve just trying to come up with excuses.
You can state your response in person, by phone or a check mark on RSVP note. The tone of your letter should reflect your relationship with the person who invited you. If it is a close friend, it will be much less formal than one for a business person (Liane, MAY 17, 2016).
References
Ellen, A., & Herbert, H. (Dec. 1990). What are some polite excuses to give when declining an invitation? Cambridge University Press .
Labrie, T. (2007). How to decline invitations. BBC Learning English , 2-4.
Liane, D. (MAY 17, 2016). Polite Ways to Decline a Meeting Invitation. Harvard Business Review .
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I know it’s not easy. In fact, something it can be so tough to say no. By virtue of human nature - we want to be agreeable, we want to be liked, and we want to be kind (Labrie, 2007). So how do you say no, you have every right to say no without feeling guilty, and as long as you don’t do it in an offensive way. The decline an invitation doesn’t mean you’re rejecting the person who sends it to you. It’s simply a statement that you are unable to attend whatever you’ve been invited to.
You don’t have to explain anything, just assure the person that you would not miss it for anything that’s unimportant. And if the situation changes, you will let them know. For example, I’m sorry, I have a prior engagement at the same time that I already agreed to. Thank you so much for thinking of me. It is clear, simple and you don’t need to provide detail. Here, are few tips on how to turn down an invitation in the most polite way.
1. Don’t Ignore the Invitation: Direct ignoring the invitation shows that you don’t know proper manner, and you might be left off the guest list for his/her next party (Ellen & Herbert, Dec., 1990). So, first, putting the invitation aside to deal with later isn’t good for you or the person who send it. He/she needs to know whether or not you’ll be there.
2. Don’t Wait: As soon as possible, you reply back to him/her. You will be unable to go there, let the person know. Most events require planning and budgeting.
3. Be thankful: Always give thank the person for inviting you and let him/her know that you’re honored that he/she’d think highly enough of you to send the invitation.
4. Be Honest: You never ever have to come up with false excuses for why you’re unable to go to event, but you also don’t have to go into detail. Let him/her know that you already have plans. That should be enough.
5. Ask for Next time: If the invitation is exclusive to you, let the person know you’re unable to make it at the time he/she requested, but you’d love to get together with her at another time.
6. Don’t over - explain: Keep your explanation short and to the point. Doing otherwise will make it sound like you’ve just trying to come up with excuses.
You can state your response in person, by phone or a check mark on RSVP note. The tone of your letter should reflect your relationship with the person who invited you. If it is a close friend, it will be much less formal than one for a business person (Liane, MAY 17, 2016).
References
Ellen, A., & Herbert, H. (Dec. 1990). What are some polite excuses to give when declining an invitation? Cambridge University Press .
Labrie, T. (2007). How to decline invitations. BBC Learning English , 2-4.
Liane, D. (MAY 17, 2016). Polite Ways to Decline a Meeting Invitation. Harvard Business Review .