A Big Freaking List of No

Say it with me..."NO!"

“No” can be hard to say, but there are a million ways to say it:

• No, but thank you. 

• No thanks. It was delicious, but I’ve already eaten too much.

• Not now but another time. Maybe we can go on Saturday?

• I’d like to but I have to work late this evening.

• I wish I could but, unfortunately, I already have plans that night.

• Nope. I don’t have time. Maybe tomorrow.

• No way. (This is like saying, “No. There’s no chance I would ever do that!”)

• I’m sorry but we won’t be able to make that compromise.

• I would love to/like to but our company has a holiday party that night.

• I’m afraid that I’m not available on Tuesday.

• No, I’m sorry to say that we aren’t able to change the time of the meeting.

• I wish I could but I’m unable to make that kind of compromise.

• We appreciate the offer, however, this is not a good time for us.

• I’m afraid I can’t meet you today. How about tomorrow?

• No thanks, I won’t be able to make it.

• Not this time.

• Heck no.

• No way, Jose. 

• Regrettably, I'm not able to.

• It's that time of the year when I must say no.

• It's a Wednesday. I have a "No on Wednesday" policy.

• Ask me in a year.

• I know someone that might be a fit for that. I'll email you their information.

• You're so kind to think of me, but I can't.

• Maybe another time.

• Sounds great, but I can’t commit.

• Rats! Would’ve loved to.

• I’m slammed.

• Perhaps next season when things clear up.

• I’m at the end of my rope right now so have to take a rain-check.

• If only it worked.

• I’ll need to bow out.

• I’m going to have to exert my NO muscle on this one.

• I’m taking some time.

• Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t.

• I’m in a season of NO.

• I’m not the girl for you on this one.

• I’m learning to limit my commitments.

• I’m not taking on new things.

• Another time might work.

• It doesn’t sound like the right fit.

• I'm RESTing right now.

• I’m not sure I’m the best for it.

• No thank you, but it sounds lovely.

• It sounds like you’re looking for something I’m unable to give right now.

• I believe I wouldn’t fit the bill, sorry.

• It’s not a good idea for me.

• Not now.

• I’m trying to cut back.

• I won’t be able to help.

• If only I had a clone!

• I’m not able to set aside the time needed.

• I won’t be able to dedicate the time I need to it.

• I’m head-down right now on a project, so won’t be able to.

• I wish there were two of me!

• I’m honored, but can’t.

• NoNoNoNoNoNo.

• I’m booked into something else.

• I’m not able to make that time.

• Thanks, but no thanks.

• I’m not able to make it this week/month/year.

• Bye now.

• I’ve got too much on my plate right now.

• I’m not taking on anything else right now.

• Bandwidth is low, so I won’t be able to make it work.

• I wish I could make it work.

• Not possible.

• I wish I were able to.

• If only I could!

• I’d love to — but can’t.

• Darn! Not able to fit it in.

• Nah.

• No thanks, I have another commitment.

• Unfortunately, it’s not a good time.

• Sadly I have something else.

• Unfortunately not.

• I have something else. Sorry.

• Apologies, but I can’t make it.

• Thank you so much for asking. Can you keep me on your list for next year?

• I’m flattered you considered me, but unfortunately, I’ll have to pass this time.

• And my favorite, “Oh I wish I could help but you know, I bet Claire could help you with that.”

• Thank you for thinking of me. Unfortunately, it’s just not a match.

• No, sorry, that’s not really my thing

• Can I get back to you on that?

• No, I’d rather you didn’t, but thanks anyway

• I can't make it work.

• It just won't fit right now.

• I'm really buckling down on my priorities right now, so I can't.

• Sorry, no can do.

• I only say ‘yes’ to very select opportunities, and unfortunately this doesn't meet my criteria.

• The demands would be too much for me.

• It's not feasible for me to take this on.

• I wish I had all the time in the world.

• My body double can.

• In another life.

• My advisors won't agree to it.

• I'm not the person you're looking for.

• I don't have an iota of bandwidth left in my brain.

• If only.

• N to the O.

• NO.

• Sadly, I have something else going on.

• I have another commitment.

• I’m afraid I can’t.

• I don't have the bandwidth for that right now.

• I’m honored you asked me, but I simply can’t.

• Thanks for thinking of me. However, I’m not able to.

• I’m sorry, I’m not able to fit this in.

• Unfortunately, I already have plans. Maybe next time!

• No, thank you, but it sounds lovely.