How Do I say "No"?

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A parent of a freind of mine offers me a ride home every day, but I'm not shure how to tell her that I don't want a ride.

Here's the details; I know this lady, (she's not a stranger to me) she is a very kind person. And when she offers me a ride home, I know she's olney trying to help. (I DO have to walk 2 miles to get home every day) But I don't MIND walking home. I actually LIKE it. It's the olney time of the day other than nighttime that I get to think. When I walk by her car, she waves at me and I take that as an invatation to a free ride. I take it olney because it seems rude to keep on walking. A few days ago, I told her, " I don't want to be a bother, I mean, I don't really mind walking home." She said that it was no trouble and that if I wanted to walk home I should just, walk home. I tried that today, and just as I was getting lost in thought I herd her car horn. She said that she'd feel guilty if I had to walk home, "In weather like this." and she gave me a ride home.

How can I say no to someone who is trying to be nice?

Just tell her you don't want a ride because you like walking to get your exercise but it was nice of her to offer you a ride but you'd rather walk for exercise.


"Thanks for offering me a ride but I'd rather walk. It's good exercise but thanks anyway."

Might be the way you are wording it.

Try: "No thank you, I think I feel like walking today." Offer a smile and start to walk away.

I think that's an excellent suggestion. People can usually understand the desire to get some exercise. You mentioned that she said she felt guilty letting you walk "in this weather." Some people just can't handle any weather at all, and think you'll "catch your death of cold." You can tell her that you enjoy the walk, and you don't mind the cold or wet, because you enjoy that time alone. Certain types of people will get hurt and offended by things like that no matter how sincere and polite you are, and there's not much you can do about that.

BTW, I like walking, too.

I understand how you feel, Kimmy, because I often have times where I don't really want to do something (or feel comfortable doing something) someone would like me to do, sort of like in this situation. I feel bad saying no, because I don't want to make the person feel bad.

The person seems really nice, I think if you just kindly explain that you do appreciate it, but you enjoy walking, she should understand okay, and it shouldn't really hurt her feelings too much.

I wish you good luck

Thanks for all your help.

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