Any advice with my friendship situation?

Question

I am blessed with friendship and family. I am grateful for my blessings. I am never lonely, knock on wood. I don't know what I'd do without them. I would fall apart without them. Well, here's the situation..... Sometimes I get too busy. I have to say no to a social life for weeks at a time. And sometimes I want to be with my family, no friends invited. And sometimes I need a night of solitary, watching t.v. in my room, door shut. And most times I crave to be around family and my handful of valued friends, on the phone, wanting to go out for drinks, laughing, exchanging hugs and stories. I cherish those times, and I don't want to come across the wrong way, and I also sometimes have to say no. So, how do I politely say no?

Answer 1

I have found that being completely honest works well. just say no, explain why, and leave it at that. If they love you then they will understand. Often we expect a much different reaction then we actually get. Don't make this so hard on yourself.

Answer 2

It's ok to say "no" to those people you love when you just need your "you" time. I can absolutely relate, especially this week. It was my birthday earlier in the week, and ever since the week began, I've been overwhelmed with phone calls and well-meaning friends just randomly coming by. I love them all and was very happy to see and talk to them, but I felt like I hadn't been alone for a second except to sleep. When my best friend asked me last night if he could come over and hang out, I had to tell him, "Sorry, but I just haven't had any time to myself this week. I really just want to relax and have some 'me' time." My best friend took absolutely no offense to this and I think if you just tell them you need your space and want some private time for just yourself and you'll be happy to spend time with them tomorrow, for example, then you should be fine. Enjoy your "you" time!

Answer 3

just say not right now or maybe next week and set a time. but dont flake on that time because it gets annoying. i have a friend who does that and i stopped calling her.