Shanli Liu offers three ways to answer when someone pushes back on your no. Try "Because I need to make a different choice," "Because it's outside my focus," or "Because it's not what's best for me." Each one sets a boundary without over-explaining.
If somebody asks why or why not when you've already told them no, here's some responses to try. Number 1: Because I need to make a different choice. Because I need to make a different choice. This works because it's not only respectful and direct, but it also says you're not entitled to this information. Number 2: Because it's outside my focus or because it's out of focus for me at the moment. What you're saying is there are many things that are on my radar that require my focus and attention, This is not one of them. And number 3, because it's not what's best for me. It's not what's best for me. The other person may not like it, but they will respect the fact that you are doing what you believe is best for you. So try that and follow me.
