In personal and professional life, setting healthy boundaries is essential for prioritizing commitments and achieving balance. Some people struggle to say “no”, often fearing that it might come across as rude or aggressive, rather than seeing it as an honest and mutually beneficial way of communicating their needs.

Fortunately, there are very polite and respectful ways to decline requests that maintain relationships and show thoughtfulness. By communicating openly, others will often appreciate the clarity.

Saying “no” is one of the most powerful tools we have to respect our time and commitments while honoring those of others.

According to Shane Snow, boundaries lead to confidence, emotional stability, and reduced anxiety because they give you a sense of control. Psychology research clearly shows that one of the quickest paths to depression is when you are responsible for something over which you have no control. »

—How to Set Boundaries at Work When It’s Difficult

Here are some suggestions for declining requests with respect and clarity:

#1. “As much as I would love to work with you, I am prioritizing other projects.”

This acknowledges your interest but sets clear boundaries, leaving the door open for future opportunities while you focus on current commitments.

When to use it: Ideal for professional situations where you want to leave room for future collaboration without overburdening yourself.

#2. “Thank you for your support; That means a lot! However, now is not the right time for me.

Expresses appreciation for your consideration while communicating that you are unable to commit at this time.

When to use it: Use when someone offers help or an opportunity that you cannot currently accept but would like to acknowledge.

#3. “I’m honored, but I can’t commit to it right now.”

Recognizes the importance of the offer while maintaining your boundaries if this offer does not align with your current goals and priorities.

When to use it: Use it for offers of important positions or roles when accepting it would present a conflict with other opportunities or if the timing simply isn’t right for you.

#4. “I would love to, but my schedule is busy.”

A simple, honest and direct sentence that politely indicates that you are busy.

When to use it: When you cannot take on additional responsibilities and no further explanation is necessary.

#5. “I’m not able to take care of that, but I can put you in touch with someone who might be a good fit.”

This response allows you to decline while remaining proactive and supportive in offering help and resources.

When to use it: Great for when you want to be helpful but really can’t commit.

#6. “I would love to help, but I am currently at capacity.”

This makes it clear that your workload is busy without needing to explain too much.

When to use it: Ideal for professional environments to indicate your boundaries without having to go into detail, you can also follow up for the opportunity to collaborate at a more compromised time.

#7. “Thank you for thinking of me!” Unfortunately, I have other commitments.

Another way to express agenda conflicts without being wrongly perceived as disinterested.

When to use it: Ideal when previous commitments create challenges around your participation.

#8. “It’s not the right time for me, but I appreciate the thought.”

A kind and sincere recognition that also declines due to timing.

When to use it: Use when the opportunity is interesting but doesn’t fit into your current schedule.

#9. “I am very interested in the project, although I was hoping the salary would reflect my experience more.”

Expresses interest while emphasizing salary expectations, which can lead to a productive discussion about goal alignment.

When to use it: Ideal for salary discussions when you are open to negotiation and looking to clarify expectations.

#10. “I appreciate the offer and am excited about the role, but the salary is lower than I expected.”

Signals your salary expectations without completely closing the door and leaves room for constructive responses/dialogues.

When to use it: Ideal when you’re excited about a role but need more clarity on compensation and expectations.

#11. “Unfortunately I cannot deliver this project within budget, but I would be happy to discuss options that are suitable.”

Keeps the conversation open for possible adjustments to budget or scope.

When to use it: Use it to invite more discussion around negotiating a rate, workflow, and/or scaled-down version or phase of the project.

#12. “Thank you for the offer, but my price reflects the breadth and depth of the work.” If your price is not negotiable, this answer

Highlights the value of your work if your price is non-negotiable. Supporting documents, such as timelines or data, can also help support this answer.

When to use it: Suitable for customers who have questions about fees. This ensures your rates are met and your processes are well understood.

#13. “Thank you for this opportunity!” I can’t take care of it right now, but let’s reconnect later when I’m available.

A kind and energetic way to show your future interest in a collaboration when you are temporarily unavailable.

When to use it: Ideal if you are interested in the project but can’t commit at the moment and want to reschedule it later.

These approaches offer effective ways to maintain professional boundaries while keeping communication open, focused, thoughtful, and respectful. Saying “no” with confidence and authenticity helps you prioritize your needs, avoid misunderstandings, and can even strengthen relationships through honesty and transparency.

For Black professionals, mastering these responses can be empowering, establishing a sense of control over their careers and personal lives, and strengthening their values ​​and skills in professional spaces. Confidently setting boundaries also combats stereotypes and promotes safe spaces and healthier dynamics based on mutual respect and productive dialogue.