Are you an akser or a Guesser?

[Betty]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

One thing I do agree with is the Emily Post advice. I find that the more I try to explain WHY I say no, the more people take that as an invitation to decide that my priorities are wrong and get annoyed. I try (as much as is practical) to say, "I'm so sorry, I can't," rather than detail out why.

I agree. I have to use that with my kids - "because I said so" type of thing or they just argue. I'm afraid I learned this when my 7th grade teacher taught us how to negotiate.

In business life though - I really need to learn that phrase: I'm afraid that won't be possible.

And then shut the eff up.