Hi Everyone:

I decided to Google - how to turn down someone that asks you out diplomaticallly.

Yesterday, I did the body language thing, the no flirting thing, the change the topic into a broad general topic, the physically move away to the other side of the table thing, said I do not give out my number to people I don't know thing - all to no avail.

It seems like if he does not get the best way to handle it is to be direct and say "Thank you for asking but I am really not interested in a romantic relationship with you." They do add - you can say "we can be friends." But really if it is a stranger that you never want to see again - I don't think I want to add the friend line....

Not knowing how to gracefully say NO to pushy men has been an issue. My C has always told me that the truth will set you free. If you make excuses - the pushy ones keep pushing... And I guess I have to take the direct approach - even if the other person is taking the indirect coming at you from different angles approach.

So at least I finally have a line that I can use to say NO. I will do the other stuff I tried yesterday - I will use the line if he simply refuses to get it.

Of course my social whirlwind is behind me for now. And my boss has started sending out emails - so I will do some work tonight. I have one more thing I want to finish and I WILL BE ALL CAUGHT UP at work!

I will not take all of July off - instead I will work at a steady pace and lead a more balanced life with weekends and holidays and vacations.

I really had fun working at the beer tent yesterday! \:\) I will probably join the charitable organization that organizes this event. I don't want to take on too much responsibility or make any decisions. I just want to work as a grunt.

Life is good! \:\) I am so glad that I have finally decided on a way to deal with pushy men!

take care,
AG