What's the best way to tell your family no, when you do not want to participate in a holiday or family event?

I had this issue before and I still do even though I'm an adult now. My parents would always try to force me to be places that I didn't want to be no matter what the situation. I could've been sick, going through something and it just didn't matter to them. The best way to tell your family no, when you don't want to participate in a holiday or family event is to be honest and to just say no. Explain to them the reason as to why you don't want to go or participate and if they still want to fuss at you about it, just walk away.

Tell them no thanks and if they ask why, then tell them that you arent interested or it makes you uncomfortable if any of that apply.

The best way is to be honest. If you tell them what's going on and express that you're not emotionally fit to participate in such activities, they will be inclined to believe you. They will see that you're being genuine. Express the consequences of having to participate. It may be that you'll feel depressed afterwards, or that it'll merely just make life hard for you. When telling your family, remember to be calm and controlled. They will not listen to you if you let your emotions get in the way (by being rude).

I think that the best way to tell your family that you do not want to participate in a holiday or family event is by being honest and open with them and explaining why it is that you may want to skip out on this one. Perhaps tell the family member you trust most the exact reason why and go from there. Honesty is indeed the best policy especially when it comes to family who should understand and accept you no matter what.

Tell them that you do not feel like going or that you do not want to and tell them a reason why. I used to try and get out of going to things like that, but I always ended up going anyways. Sometimes it's best to just go.

Honestly, I plan something else with my friends pretend I forgot that it was the same day as a family gathering and my parents usually just go with it and they never really got mad at me for this

The best way to say no is interesting. At first, politely let them down with a "no thank you" or "I don't think I'm up for it", then that will leave you open to questions and a deeper understanding from your family, but if that doesn't work, try to still be nice but firm in your answer.

Calmly and gently, let them know that it isn't personal (even if it is), tell them you have other plans or use homework (or work) as an excuse if you must. For example, "No mum, I can't go to Granny's 79th birthday party. I love her bingo-playing, beatles-loving, arthritic friends, it's nothing against them, but I'm very stressed by work at the moment and I was hoping to spend this weekend alone. I'll make it up to her later, promise. I'll go for a game of bingo at her club in August." If the response to this is something along the lines of "No, you can't." You can always go for the classic "Well I also have a history project due on Monday."

Sitting down the family members that you are having to tell 'no' to is a very good idea. Hurting someones feelings is something that you may be worried about, but just be gentle when you explain to them why you don't want to come to the event. Typically, they will completely accept your decision.

acknowledge their desire to be together and the importance of the event for them, express your feelings calmly about participating, and you reasons for not wanting to, without attacking their event or them as people.