This can be an awkward situation when someone has declined your invitation, but it’s also an opportunity to keep rolling out the relationships and understanding. The following are the effective ways to respond.
Acknowledge The Decline
If a person declines your invitation, it is only proper that you respond to the same. Responding in decline shows respect for the decision and further cements the fact that you do care about their feelings. A simple “Thanks for letting me know!” would go a long way in goodwill maintenance.
Express Understanding
Let them know that, yes, you do understand why they cannot accept. Understanding validates their feelings and circumstances. You could say, “I understand; we’re all busy!” The effect of such a response is that it makes them feel that one appreciates their situation.
Stay Positive
Still, irrespective of your attitude towards the decline, keep the response in a positive tone.
This helps in keeping the door open for future interactions. You can say, “I’ll miss you, but I hope we can catch up soon!” This response is pretty encouraging in maintaining ongoing communication and relations.
Offer To Connect Later
If possible, propose a future time to connect. Offering to meet or chat at another time shows that you do care about keeping the relationship alive.
For instance, “Let’s plan to get together next month instead!” would show you still value the friendship or the bond.
No Guilt Trips
Don’t guilt-trip the person for saying no. This introduces tension and might make him not accept invitations next time. Instead of “I was hoping you would come,” try “I hope to see you at the next one!” That makes it light and friendly.
Keep It Short And Simple
Keep it short. Most of the time, a short response is much more appreciated than a long-winded speech. A simple “Thanks for keeping me updated; hope to see you soon!” should be enough to keep their time in respect.
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Use Humor (If Applicable)
If you have a close relationship, then a touch of humor may do some lightening. Humor tends to diffuse any form of awkwardness surrounding the decline.
For example: “Guess I’ll have to eat all that cake by myself!” might crack a smile and preserve the friendliness of the interaction.
Don’t Press For Details
Do not ask them why they declined unless they offer to give reasons. They might get embarrassed with such a probe.
Just respect their privacy and gracefully take their no. A “no problem at all!” should do it.
Send A Follow-up Message
If you feel it’s necessary, send a follow-up text later if you would like to reconnect. A follow-up text kind of supports the interest in the relationship.
