By Anita Manley

As the holidays approach, many people become anxious about spending time with family. With COVID, there is the added stress of gathering with more people than you might feel comfortable with, or perhaps you are concerned about new variants, or if everyone at the gathering is vaccinated.

It is so important to set healthy boundaries in our relationships with others, and in order to do so, saying ‘No’ sometimes is imperative. But, saying no is hard for us, since we do not want to disappoint people.

Here’s a handy list of “Nice ways to say no” from WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan):

1. Sounds nice, but I’m not available.
2. I am honoured that you asked me, but I can’t do it.
3. I’m sorry, but I can’t help you out at this time.
4. Unfortunately, it’s not a good time.
5. I am not available at the moment, maybe next time.
6. Unfortunately, this is not something I can do right now.
7. I really appreciate you asking me, but I can’t commit to that right now.
8. Sorry, but I can’t make it, maybe another time.
   
   WRAP also mentions that it is also OK to say ‘NO’ not so nicely, when the occasion calls for it!
   
   So, from this point onwards, you can set healthy boundaries with loved ones in your lives, by saying NO, in a nice way (or perhaps not so nicely). It’s important to stay true to ourselves and be clear and honest with others at the same time.
   
   Do you find it hard to say NO?
   
   You can view another one of my posts here, about saying no.