Saying "no" with grace and honesty can be challenging. Sometimes our fear of ending a conversation awkwardly or letting a friend or relative down can nudge us into saying "yes" to things that are difficult for us. When managing hyperhidrosis, saying "no" can feel more complicated. Will they ever ask again? Will the invites stop coming? Have I said "no" too often?

An alternative way to say "no" is to create a third option, another choice. For instance, you are invited to an intimate get-together, but you know socializing in a group setting can ramp up your sweating. You could say, “I won’t make it this time, but maybe we can get coffee next week?”

Bad days or sweating out of the blue are beyond your control. Rescheduling or suggesting a future get-together instead shows it's important to you but lets you focus on your comfort as well.

Here are some conversations from the community about this topic:

“It’s a nightmare, having to make excuses not to go out with friends because you know you will be sweating buckets down your face.”

“Life can be hard but please don't let it stop you living.”

“The depression and social anxiety and fatigue are miserable.”

Have you found alternative ways of saying "no," without saying "no?"
Share in the comments below.