Moving on with our saying “No” series, the next stage is another more “negotiation” type statement. Responding with a question, asking for information, is another way of stalling whilst clarifying the exact request being made. Its not giving in, but simply clarify what is being asked.
For example, following on with our request to work a shift…
“Does it have to be today, its very short notice?”
“I know you want to go out with X, can’t you do that some other time?”
“Why ask me, you know I always have an evening class on Wednesdays?”
The bottom line is not to start apologizing or giving in – like the raincheck “no”, this is simply away of clarifying the situation and putting the onus back on the requester.