You know how, when you fight, saying "I'm sorry… but —" makes the apology meaningless? In the same way, the most common mistake we make when turning something down is sticking a "but" in there. "Wow, that sounds great! But today is a little…" — say that, and what came before gets erased. The moment you tag on "but," the sincerity blurs. That's why top communication expert Jefferson Fisher advises flipping the order. Decline first, then thank them. Also: when you say no, don't be vague. "I'm not sure if it'll work out or not." That kind of phrasing just keeps draining your mental energy. Saying it clearly is, I think, the path that leaves both you and the other person less worn out.
"But" wipes out everything that came before it.. That's why you should put the negative part first.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wW7OKD9YW2o
