Any tips for politely declining a personal social event from a coworker? I don't want to hurt their feelings, but I prefer to keep my work and personal lives separate

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Schedule conflict. They don't have to know what the conflict is.

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Be gracious and tell them you already have plans, don’t go into detail or give indication of maybe next time. Keep it simple. This is why I love remote work!

smartfunny

Yeah you might have to refuse a few subsequent invites before they get the hint, but they will eventually stop asking lol. I've had to do this before. It's a little awkward, but I can't really think of any better way.

Keep it simple. Say “I prefer to keep my work and personal lives separate.” Being truthful and sticking to this statement will win everyone’s respect.

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Everyone's right. Unfortunately they will have to "get the hint" that you dont want to make or have time for them.

On the flipside, if they somehow "dont get it" and still ask you after 100 times, then you might need to consider the other realities:

A) they really dont have a social circle, and they are looking to you to start one (then perhaps u might engage them at work only on a friendly coworker level) that might help them relieve this

B) If they have romantic interests, then let them know you're taken, or straight up not interested.

C) maybe try vulnerability. Why do they keep asking? Whats happening in their life. U might find something there. Maybe share some relevant things in ur own life for them. They might just want some kind of outside work communication. Like a pen-pal (this isnt for everyone, but it might help some people). Work might actually be their only source of "caring about life" -- we all go thru things under the surface that needs to be let out every once in a while. Be that light for them.

I agree with the above. You can beat around the bush and make an excuse this time, but they will likely ask you again, so it's better to address the issue now.

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