Decline a request politely but firmly
Use to protect your time by writing a kind, clear no to a request you cannot or should not take on.
Help me say no without burning the relationship.
What I am being asked to do: {{request}}
My relationship to the person: {{relationship}}
Why I want to decline (real reason): {{reason}}
Whether I want to offer any alternative: {{alternative}}
Write a short, warm, and clear message that:
1. Acknowledges the request and the person.
2. Declines plainly, without over-explaining or making excuses.
3. Offers the alternative if I provided one, otherwise leaves the door open in a genuine way.
4. Keeps a tone of respect, not guilt.
Give me two versions: one slightly warmer, one more direct.Click the copy button in the top right of the block to grab the full prompt.
Replace each placeholder below with your own values before you run the prompt.
- {{request}}
- {{relationship}}
- {{reason}}
- {{alternative}}
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