Sometimes it takes more courage to say no than it does to say yes.
When someone asked you if you are going to go here or there, or if you are going to do one thing or another, the first thing that pops in many people's minds is no, I am not going to do that, but that they do not want to hurt the other person's feelings.
So they simply lie.
Yes, if you know you are not going to go to your someone's party, but you say, "Yeah, I will try to be there," that is a blatant lie.
You are leading them on and giving them hope, when you already know for a fact that you are not going. Not only is that a lie, but you are leaving them hanging when they probably need to know.
Have the courage to simply say no.
Be nice about it, but be honest. Most people know that the cliche answers that people give when they do not want do something, merely mean that they are putting them off anyway.
You aren't really fooling anyone with these vague answers; you are simply showing them that you won't give them a straight answer, for whatever reason, and making them doubt your trustworthiness.
It is more honourable to just be truthful.
If you have something else planned, say so. If you are just plain tired and don't feel up to going, just say,
"No, I am not going to be able to make it this time."
Of course, turn down their invitation with class and tact, but be honest. After all, it is the truth.
Have the courage to face the truth and to speak the truth.
It is these small tests of courage and honour that prepare you for the larger tests. If you can't muster the courage to give your friend an honest answer when it comes to small things like this, do you really think that you are going to automatically have the courage to stand up when it comes to larger things with much bigger consequences?
Consider how you would want someone to respond to you, and give them the same courtesy.
Always consider what the right thing to do is, and do it.
Do it simply because it is right.
Those who matter will understand, and those who don't understand, well, they will have to deal with it.
Just do the right thing, at the right time, and then do it right.
Namaste
