Whats a good way to phrase a question if I'm trying to discourage somebody from doing something? The context is I invited this person to an upcoming football game, but I found out that for his own good, he shouldn't come (personal reasons, not relevant)
My first thought was something along the lines of
"hey let me know if you're still coming to that game"
I know that does not sound discouraging at all, but if anybody has any input, please let me know. It cannot sound obvious that I don't want him to come. This is very important to me. Thank you
2007-01-25 17:33:21 · 8 answers · asked by johnny d 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
I think in general the best way to deal with situations is to tell the truth and not try to find other "kinder" ways out. I know of many times that the kinder way turned out to hurt the individual when the truth was finally revealed. I think the easiest way is to say something like:
"I wanted to discuss the upcoming football game. I have thought about my invitation and actually think that perhaps it would be better if we did not attend. I would be glad to discuss it with you, but would you mind if I withdraw my invitation?"
The advantage to this type of phrasing is that you are not the heavy and you are opening the dialogue. Any reasonable person would either say, "Hey... OK... no problem." And you are not going to be looking over your shoulder waiting for the real truth to come out.
Best of luck dealing with this.
2007-01-25 17:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by The Answer Man 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How about just telling the person the truth? Some how I think the 'personal reasons' would be 'relevant' to the person you wish to discourage from coming. Tell the truth..less regrets later. Or, if you must, tell them that you wont be able to go to the game after all. Was the invite on the order of a date? If not, then there is little you could do to un invite a person to an open sporting event.....short of flattening 2 or more of his tires.
2007-01-25 17:47:34 · answer #2 · answered by territizzyb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a detective...But the only upcoming football game is the Superbowl. If that is the case then their is no good way to tell someone.
However if you have invited him over to watch the game and someone else is there that ...well you know. then put it on yourself. Say, "man I think I messed up...then give them a choice."
But, If by football you are referring to soccer. We Americans are clueless.
2007-01-25 17:50:34 · answer #3 · answered by n8g123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what is th persons weakness or fear? Fear of getting sick for instance-you could mention you heard there is a really bad stomach virus going around and people should stay away from such and such a public place as its now actively spreading about that particular community, causing people to be miserable for a few days. Or a very bad anticipated traffic jam due to accidents and or construction making it not a good idea to go.
Use your imagination but beware of the repercussions.
2007-01-25 23:29:12 · answer #4 · answered by FoudaFaFa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't come up with an answer, because "...for his own good, he shouldn't come." is not enough information. Personal reasons or not, I think the reason IS relevant for you to determine your tone and urgency and degree of truthfulness.
Can you tell us a bit more?
2007-01-25 18:48:19 · answer #5 · answered by and_y_knot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I was talking to a bunch of people and they said this game is gonna suck. They're talking about blowing it off. I'm thinking of doing something else also. How about you?"
2007-01-25 17:38:53 · answer #6 · answered by ignoramus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then you don't attend...
Get a cold-- and stay home...
2007-01-25 17:37:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sick I can't go...
2007-01-25 17:40:14 · answer #8 · answered by nikkecola17 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋