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- Saying no to invitationsPeople take a polite no far better than you expect. Ask whether you'd say yes if it were tomorrow, then decline warmly, briefly and early.
- Evidence: Some
- Takes: 5 minutes
- Leaving events early without guiltDecide your leaving time before you arrive, say a short goodbye to the host, and go. Most people notice your exit far less than you think.
- Evidence: Weak
- Takes: 2 minutes
- Setting boundaries with familyDecide what you will and won't do, say it once, kindly and clearly, then stick to it. Research on this is thin; most of this page is sensible practice.
- Evidence: Weak
- Takes: an evening to decide, a few minutes to say it
- Handling holidays with familyLower the stakes, plan your exits, go easy on alcohol, and have a few phrases ready to steer away from old arguments. Mostly common sense; little research tests it.
- Evidence: Common practice
- Takes: an evening to plan