A public service

The Excuse Desk

You have been invited to something. You are not going. Here is what to say.

Thank you for thinking of me. I have plans with a book and they're firm.

House rules for declining

  1. Say it once. An excuse repeated becomes a negotiation.
  2. No exclamation points. You are not sorry enough for one.
  3. Do not invent a reason. "I'm busy" is complete. The book is the reason. The book counts.
  4. Offer nothing. A counter-offer is an opening. "Maybe next time" is a promise you will have to decline again.
  5. Read it aloud first. In a flat, tired, entirely pleasant voice. If it only works shouted, it isn't ours.

Need a physical version? There is a door hanger for that, and a tote for the days you must be seen in public.