I'm not a very confrontational person. TOnight I am going out to a restaurant for a friends birthday. Last night I went round to my friends house and twisted my ankle. In fact, I've been out pretty much every night fo the whole of february. Despite not having the energy or the money I simply cannot say no. And when someone asks me if I am 'free' for a drink or dinner or whatever I just book myself up, my social life is more hectic than it was when I was in my early twenties! I do things I dont even realy want to do, like have lunch with a cousin or go to some reunion or something. I hate offending people, but how do you say no? I tried telling little white lies but only ended up going out with a group of old work mates forgetting that I had told one of them weeks before that I couldn't go out that night because it waas my mums birthday... you can imagine how embarrased I was! How do you tell people that you just dont want to go out or see anyone?? It seems no one wants to spend time alone anymore - its so stressful!

SK 

Gidday sleeplessknight, yea be bold, what's wrong with, "I need to catch up on my housework" or I'm just plain stuffed, or no I already have plans as you do, you plan to stay home and do NOTHING which is your legitimate plan. Tell no lies, you don't need to explain to friends why you can't make it, friends understand that you have needs and would never be offended by a simple " no I can't, I have something planned" that way there will be no embarrasment, but do what YOU want

Regards

EJ