24EN Editor"s Note: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.
你说要是答应句“好”那不多简单啊，而且听起来也舒服；说“不”呢也不是不可以，而且有其道理所在；如果朋友有求，但你又的的确确没什么时间，帮不上什么忙，那就拒绝得了；不过，人生在世，来去匆匆，你又是否真的愿意生硬地拒绝或者让你的那个“不”字来的那么陡，最终连短暂岁月中的知音也远离呢！
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.
说的倒容易，这要是一说了“不”，不就令双方都尴尬了嘛！你想吧，同事结婚发来请柬，要是舍不得赶礼，想不去，这又觉得很不够意思；如果遇上是舍友结良缘邀请你，你拒绝的话，恐怕以后你结婚的时候对方也不会来了。所以我今天在这里要说的就是，遇到这种情况，你干脆就来上一句善意的谎言，委婉的推脱就得了。接触的事情多了，这种方法也就寻常了，而且也是轻松解围的好方法。
For requests in the workplace:
同事之间：“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.”
实在抱歉，我现在手头上还有很多事情需要处理，太忙了！不能够.....真是太遗憾了！
“I love your ideas, and I know a few people who might be great matches for your project.”
你的想法很不错，我很欣赏，但我现在可能暂时没法加入，不过我知道某某兴许比较适合做......
“You know, this isn’t really my area of expertise, but I know a few great resources. Let me write them down for you.”
这方面我还真不在行，要不这样，我知道一些资料可能会对你有帮助，我帮你写下来，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.”
我真的很想帮您，但我现在的活必须得在这两天搞定；您看过了这两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（可能你事后想起来会觉得说的假惺惺的），但我那天晚上得替朋友带孩子。（最好找的借口不是谎话，一定要扯的很圆才行；比如说计划给老妈子打电话啊、跟老朋友见面啊，或者就讲本来你准备要推迟做的事，然后说要在那天做。）
“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！一般情况下我都不去/不做XXX的。你看如果是有其他需要帮助的，可以找我。
For a friend’s event you can’t attend:
朋友之间：
“I’m busy that afternoon. Why don’t you and I get together for brunch next week instead?”
让我想想，那天下午我可能没空。要不我们下周一起吃饭吧？
“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，但我家里有点事，分不开身。不过祝大家玩的开心。
“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.)
谢谢你邀请我，但那天晚上我可能不太方便，要不我另外找个时间过去！（切忌不要说另外的具体哪个时间，说个“另外找个时间”就可以了，不然你还让别人浪费表情。）
“No, I won’t be able to make it, but please let me know how it goes.”
完了，我可能也做不来这东西。要是你找到人能弄了，你看能不能告诉我一下事情的进展如何。
“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。到时记得代我向大家问好，另外再给我发以下聚会的照片。
When you’d rather have a root canal:不知道说啥的时候：“My child/dog/cat has severe diarrhea, so I really have to get home. Thanks for the invite, though!”
我家宝宝/狗狗/猫咪得了痢疾，我得回家照看。不过谢谢你的邀请！“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！我有点偏头痛，今晚就方便去了。你们玩的开心。
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《飘》里边的女人公斯佳丽·奥哈拉一样，说：“这听起来也太有趣了，你怎么不早说呢，你太可爱了！”然后闪人！更多信息请访问：http://www.24en.com/
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. “
要是下班后谁非得叫上一起玩或做什么事，你就干脆直接说：“不好意思，今晚脱不开身，家里事情太多了。”
