I've always been one of those people others go to when they need help.  Need a deck built?  Call Julie.  Need someone to listen to you?  Call Julie.  Need a loan?  Call Julie.  And I've always been okay with that... until I need something and no one is available to help me.  But then I forget that the next time they call and I'm there again, helping out in any way I can.

The problem is I love to help people.  It gives me a great feeling when I can help them out.  And I always hear, "If you ever need anything, just let me know!"  But I rarely ask because I figure if I can do it myself, I should.

But every time I need some help and I find everyone is busy, I wonder what it's like to say I'll help but never come through.

So I've decided to try an experiment.  When someone needs my help I'll tell them how much I'd love to help and then make up a story why I can't.  What will be interesting is seeing how long these people stay in my life.

I'll let you know how the experiment goes.

Julie

QuoteWhen someone needs my help I'll tell them how much I'd love to help and then make up a story why I can't.

Or you could not lie to them and just say, "No."

I would agree with Mister, just politely decline.  I think many deal with the same thing with people they know, so don't feel too bad about it Julie.

I think what Julie's going for is more like turning the other cheek than turning over a new leaf. I kinda see what you're going for but I wouldn't go into a long excuse. If you're always so reliable simply saying no would get their attention.

Hrmm..I can't find the ignore button. Oh well. It was nice knowing you.