Now, Alexa--
Repeat after me: "No." "NO." "NO!!! You may add "I'm sorry, simply can't!!; "if you knew what...." (hang up or look at your watch and run off at this point); "so terribly busy!!". Note: while you may freely use words like "sorry", it's extremely important not actually to sound apologetic.
It is also helpful to appear to be genuinely busy. (I have a friend who shares your difficulties; she for some reason imagines that the people who ask her to do outrageous favors for them know what she's up to every minute of the day.) Arrive at meetings late, leave early, mumbling vague excuses. Call at the last minute and cancel, offering reasons they'll never be able to figure out once they get off the phone. Anticipate: when asked initially, say "Oh, dear, I may have a conflict. Damn! Where's my book?! Really, I'll do my best to make it!" Don't go.
Or leave them a little in awe of your busy life, pique their interest. Try this, for example: "Sorry, no, really, I've scheduled a nooner with my husband--he's simply exhausted in the evenings. But this project really sounds interesting! Why don't you get back to me early next year?" (Needless to say, you'll have to adjust the last part anytime after September.)
It works. Trust me.
Janice |
