How to say no to friends when they wanna hang out?

[HippieLexi]

I'm a timid person with anxiety and i always feel too guilty to say "no" to friends when they wanna hang out if I'm just not up for it. How do i politely decline without getting them upset or offended? thanks in advance for answers!

[Seraphim]

Why would anyone be offended if you say no? I wouldn’t be. I would just say not right now thanks.

[reinventmyself]

You know how to work on overcoming being timid? Practice saying no when you don't want to do something.

If someone tells me they aren't up to doing something or going out, I don't take it personally or get upset.

I think you might be projecting that onto them when it's not so.

[DanZee]

Well, this is called peer pressure, and it takes a lot to resist going along with the crowd. You risk not being popular or liked. But you can do it. You give a valid reason, like you have to study or you have to be home for dinner, or your parents have something planned, and you go home. You have to stand up for yourself and don't let other people control your life.

[Hollyj]

Tell them you have other plans. Do you go out with them at all?

[Wiseman2]

Why would they get upset? "Nice to hear from you, thanks but I have to [catch up on work, I'm beat, etc etc.]"

How do i politely decline without getting them upset or offended?

[Batya33]

I would say no and keep in mind that if you say no too often they're not going to ask or ask much anymore - how would you feel if they don't? Figure out some balance where if you're totally not up for it fine but if you can manage to get motivated then go or go for a little while so that you show them you're interested in hanging out. If you do decline always with a positive spin "I would love to but I'm busy tonight, thanks anyway!" (busy can be busy with yourself too).