It may feel awkward at first, but you’ll appear more like you’re carefully choosing your words than panicking because you don’t know what to say.
For example, you may say, “I know it’s convenient for me to be available over email during weekends, but I can’t do that any more. I need time with my family. I hope you understand that I need to focus on them during those days. " You may also say, “I’m feeling overwhelmed by cooking dinner every night after coming home from work. Could you choose two nights that you would be willing to take over dinner every week?” Another example dialogue might be, “I’m really sorry, but I won’t be able to volunteer at school this year. I got a new position at work and am working much longer hours. "
For example, you may say, “I disagree that this is a bad idea,” “I feel you’re being too negative about this,” or “I believe this can work. "
For example, your coworker may say, “You missed the project meeting and don’t have any way to make it up. I am seriously considering moving you back to the packing department. ” You may then respond by saying, “I realize I missed the meeting because of poor time management on my part. I knew you would be upset. ”
For example, a customer may say to you, “This fan worked for one day and broke. I need a replacement. ” You may then respond, “I’m so sorry, but our sales are final,” or “Once an item leaves the store, we can’t guarantee how you’ll use it so we can’t get you a new one. " If the customer continues to get upset, you may calmly say, “Let me get the manager to explain it to you. ”
For example, you may say, “Thanks, but I don’t want to go have a drink with you,” “Thanks for telling me, but I still don’t agree with you,” or “Thanks, but I just don’t think that I am comfortable with that. "
