We say yes to people because it's easy. Learning to say no is like learning anything: it seems really scary at first, but it's so rewarding when you get the hang of it!

我们答应别人某事很简单。学会拒绝就像学习其他任何事一样：一开始似乎很可怕，但当你学会之后，对你就十分有益。

The trick to saying no is doing it firmly without sounding rude. You must avoid being wishy-washy. Here are some lines you can practice:

拒绝别人的窍门就是，坚定地去做，但不要使自己听上去很粗鲁。你必须避免苍白无力的拒绝。这里有一些拒绝的话语可供你练习。

•If a teacher asks you to take on more responsibility than you need: Thank you for thinking of me, but I will have to say no. I'm just over-scheduled at this time.

如果老师想让你做你职责范围之外的事：谢谢您能想到我，但我还是得拒绝。这次我的日程表都排满了。

•If a teacher asks you to do something you don't feel comfortable with: This sounds like it would be a great opportunity for somebody, but it's not right for me.

如果老师让你做一些会让你不舒服的事：这对于别人来说真是一个好机会，但对我来说不是。

•If somebody wants you to cheat: Sorry, I don't share my homework. That would get us both in trouble.

如果某人想让你作弊：抱歉，我不想和别人分享自己的家庭作业。这会给我们两人都带来麻烦的。

•If somebody tries to push work off on you: I just don't have the time to do a good job at that right now. 

如果某人把工作推给你：我现在没时间去做好这项工作。

•If somebody tries to overload you with a task: I can't do that because I have an assignment due tomorrow.

如果某人想给你增加工作量：我不行，因为手头有工作要做，明天就是截止日期了。

•If somebody tries to unload a problem on you: I understand your situation, but I don't have an answer for you.

如果某人想把麻烦甩给你：我明白你的处境，但我不会答应你的。