I am honored; however, I will not be able to attend because I have another engagement that day. Sorry, I will not be able to attend because I am occupied on that day. I appreciate your invitation, but unfortunately, I have a family meeting that will prevent me from attending.
Keep your response simple and clear. Often all that's required is something like this: 'Thank you for thinking of me, but I can't make it I'm sorry. ' Most people won't ask any further questions – and if they do, you can consider how to respond then.
Make your “no” sound like a “yes” by suggesting a different option. This could be simply a different date, or a different arrangement altogether. This will help your potential house guest know that you're not just avoiding them, and that you actually do want to make plans.
I'm so sorry to say we will not be able to invite you. As much as we really wish we could celebrate with you, we're afraid that due to [budget limits/capacity/etc.], we've got to keep our guest list really small.
You tell them “no.” You do it bluntly if they continue to make plans for you. “This is not a good time for me to have guests in my home. I will keep you in mind when I plan something in the future.” Walk away if possible or end the phone call after saying your answer.
Of course, being blunt with your no doesn't mean being rude. Even if you don't offer an explanation, you can still soften the blow by being polite and appreciative. For example, instead of a curt, “No, I can't do that,” you could say, “I'm really sorry, but I just don't have the bandwidth to take this on.
"I'm not the right fit for this task. I can help you think of someone else to ask." "Unfortunately, that's just not possible. It won't work out this time." "That sounds so exciting, but we'll have to wait for another time."
If you say something is derisory, you mean it invites or deserves ridicule or contempt, especially if it is laughably small, such as a derisory diamond chip in an engagement ring. "Derisive." Vocabulary.com Dictionary, Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/derisive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2023.
