A relative of mine; wants me to drive like 1,200 miles to visit; I can not afford to make the trip.
I know be honest; but what kind of white lie should I tell?
2006-09-21 11:52:20 · 12 answers · asked by lusaisthebest 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Really good answers; the irony is he has sent me some money allready...should I send the money back to him paypal?
2006-09-21 13:41:53 · update #1
"I'm sorry, I have other plans." You can say this no matter what date they propose. They will eventually get the hint.
It doesn't matter if your "other plans" are doing laundry or going to the movies, or staying home and saving your money. You still have "other plans."
2006-09-21 11:54:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a hard one, but you need to tell them the truth. You can't afford to drive, fly or take a train that far. You'd love to visit but it's financially impossible. If that's too blunt, say you can't get the time off at work. Just be polite. That will always soften any refusal. Blessings, dearheart. Good luck.
2006-09-21 12:01:01 · answer #2 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If this is a trip that you want to do, just tell them that you cant afford it. They may send you the funds to do it.
Now if this is a trip that you dont want to do, just tell them that between work and money issues that you cant go.
You need work to make money so you wont have money issues.
2006-09-21 12:00:52 · answer #3 · answered by Dan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Would you want to go if you could afford it? Because if you don't want to go regardless, be careful of the white lie, because it could backfire.
For example, you could say your car is in need of some major repair. Two reasons this works: you wouldn't want to drive your car too far...it's dangerous, AND you need to save money for the repair bill.
If you use this, however, the relative might say, "I'll pay for your trip." Then you're stuck.
You could say your allergies are bad and you're not comfortable driving (your head is foggy either from the allergies or the allergy medication...either way). I've used this one. Works like a charm.
2006-09-21 11:57:00 · answer #4 · answered by dashelamet 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
i don't think its that hard for people to understand not being able to afford a trip like this with the cost of gas being what it is. maybe if you explain your financial situation and they are in a place they can help it can be resolved. sometimes just telling it like it is is the best because you just might end up getting to see them. if you told them something about not having time they can not supply you with more time, but they might be able to provide you with transportation. good luck.
2006-09-21 12:23:48 · answer #5 · answered by poppysgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if it is expensive, consider what it might mean to you to spend time with this person. Is it an older relative? He or she will not live forever, and when they are gone, you will wish you'd spent more time with them.
Have you considered taking a train? It's cheaper than both driving and flying, and it doesn't take as long as you might think.
If you truly can't afford it, don't insult your family member with a lie. Tell them the truth. They will understand. But first consider whether you really can't afford it or if you just don't want to go.
2006-09-21 11:55:35 · answer #6 · answered by Lanani 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why can't you just say, "I can't afford the trip." That's not so hard to understand with the price of gas! Honesty is the best policy. Or just avoid them lol.
2006-09-21 12:02:25 · answer #7 · answered by Niqabi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're afraid to drive by yourself--too many things can happen to a woman driving such a long distance by herself.
2006-09-21 12:19:05 · answer #8 · answered by Katyana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them you are unable to take of from work at this time, or your car needs work before you can travel that far.
2006-09-21 12:38:19 · answer #9 · answered by mrslaurarivas 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell him you are too busy and can't make it.
2006-09-23 22:49:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋