While saying yes can take us down some wonderful roads, there's also a ton of value in saying no. We're only given a certain amount of hours in our lives; do you really want to give yours away so easily? If you don' t have to time to commit to a new project, complete a favor, or serve on another committee, it's a good idea to just say no.
For requests in the workplace:
“I'm busy that afternoon. Why don't you and I get together for brunch next week instead?”
讓我想想，那天下午我可能沒空。要不我們下週一起吃飯吧？
我真希望我也能去，但我家裡有點事，分不開身。不過祝大家玩的開心。
Or, try the Scarlett O'Hara option: “Why that sounds lovely! You will tell me how it went, won't you? You're such a doll!” Then book it out of there—fast!
你說要是答應句“好”那不多簡單啊，而且聽起來也舒服；說“不”呢也不是不可以，而且有其道理所在；如果朋友有求，但你又的的確確沒什麼時間，幫不上什麼忙，那就拒絕得了；不過，人生在世，來去匆匆，你又是否真的願意生硬地拒絕或者讓你的那個“不”字來的那麼陡，最終連短暫歲月中的知音也遠離呢！
The problem comes when saying no will put you in an awkward situation. Maybe you feel bad turning down the invitation to a coworker's bridal shower or you're worried that saying no to your cubicle buddy will cost you opportunities down the line. What you need in your back pocket is a way to say no gracefully—and that's just what I've got for you today. Consider them “Get out of Jail Free” cards for grown-ups.
說的倒容易，這要是一說了“不”，不就令雙方都尷尬了嘛！你想吧，同事結婚發來請柬，要是捨不得趕禮，想不去，這又覺得很不夠意思；如果遇上是捨友結良緣邀請你，你拒絕的話，恐怕以後你結婚的時候對方也不會來了。所以我今天在這裡要說的就是，遇到這種情況，你乾脆就來上一句善意的謊言，委婉的推脫就得了。接觸的事情多了，這種方法也就尋常了，而且也是輕鬆解圍的好方法。
For requests in the workplace:
同事之間：
“I'm sorry, but I just have a lot of other responsibilities on my plate. I really can't give that project the attention it deserves.”
實在抱歉，我現在手頭上還有很多事情需要處理，太忙了！不能夠.....真是太遺憾了！
“I love your ideas, and I know a few people who might be great matches for your project.”
你的想法很不錯，我很欣賞，但我現在可能暫時沒法加入，不過我知道某某興許比較適合做......
“You know, this isn't really my area of expertise, but I know a few great resources. Let me write them down for you.”
這方面我還真不在行，要不這樣，我知道一些資料可能會對你有幫助，我幫你寫下來，你可以去查一下。
“I'd love to help, but I'm on a strict deadline for the next few days. Let me know if there's any way I can help another time.”
我真的很想幫您，但我現在的活必須得在這兩天搞定；您看過了這兩天再弄你的事行不行？
“I'd love to come to your [creepy after-hours direct marketing] party, but I'm babysitting for a friend that evening.” (I highly recommend brainstorming a few truthful excuses as to why you wouldn't be able to go: make plans to call your mom, to catch up with an old friend, or to finally do whatever task it is that you've been putting off.)
我太想去了（可能你事後想起來會覺得說的假惺惺的），但我那天晚上得替朋友帶孩子。 （最好找的藉口不是謊話，一定要扯的很圓才行；比如說計劃給老媽子打電話啊、跟老朋友見面啊，或者就講本來你準備要推遲做的事，然後說要在那天做。）
“I'm sorry, but as a general rule I don't participate in [insert activity or favor here]. If there's another way I can help, let me know.”
抱歉！一般情況下我都不去/不做XXX的。你看如果是有其他需要幫助的，可以找我。
For a friend’s event you can’t attend:
朋友之間：
“I'm busy that afternoon. Why don't you and I get together for brunch next week instead?”
讓我想想，那天下午我可能沒空。要不我們下週一起吃飯吧？
“I wish I could come, but I've got a family thing I can't back out of. I hope everyone has a great time.”
我真希望我也能去，但我家裡有點事，分不開身。不過祝大家玩的開心。
“Thanks for thinking of me! That evening isn't good for me, but I'd love to come another time.” (Remember, only say “another time” if you really mean it–otherwise, you're wasting the other person's time.)
謝謝你邀請我，但那天晚上我可能不太方便，要不我另外找個時間過去！ （切忌不要說另外的具體哪個時間，說個“另外找個時間”就可以了，不然你還讓別人浪費表情。）
謝謝你邀請我，但那天晚上我可能不太方便，要不我另外找個時間過去！ （切忌不要說另外的具體哪個時間，說個“另外找個時間”就可以了，不然你還讓別人浪費表情。）
“No, I won't be able to make it, but please let me know how it goes.”
完了，我可能也做不來這東西。要是你找到人能弄了，你看能不能告訴我一下事情的進展如何。
“I really need some downtime, so I'll have to pass. Email me a picture if you can and tell everyone 'hi' for me.”
我最近太累了，需要休息一下，可能就不去了。到時記得代我向大家問好，另外再給我發以下聚會的照片。
When you'd rather have a root canal: 不知道說啥的時候：
“My child/dog/cat has severe diarrhea, so I really have to get home. Thanks for the invite, though!”
我家寶寶/狗狗/貓咪得了痢疾，我得回家照看。不過謝謝你的邀請！
“I have to apologize. I think I've got the beginnings of a migraine, so I'd better lay low tonight. I hope you have a great time!”
太抱歉了！我有點偏頭痛，今晚就方便去了。你們玩的開心。
Or, try the Scarlett O'Hara option: “Why that sounds lovely! You will tell me how it went, won't you? You're such a doll!” Then book it out of there—fast!
要不，就像《飄》裡邊的女人公斯佳麗·奧哈拉一樣，說：“這聽起來也太有趣了，你怎麼不早說呢，你太可愛了！”然後閃人！
And here's the nuclear option. If someone really won't take no for an answer for a non-work hours event, this should get them to let it go: “I'm sorry but I'll be all tied up then. That's bondage night at my house. “
要是下班後誰非得叫上一起玩或做什麼事，你就乾脆直接說：“不好意思，今晚脫不開身，家裡事情太多了。”
