Here's a breakfast invitation from a person I didn't want to see again. Rather than saying "never," which is how I felt, I used a stalling tactic which worked beautifully and didn't create bad will. Randy Banister is a fictitious name.
From: Randy_Banister@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 20— 12:00 PM
To: wsfrank@careerlab.com
Subject: Breakfast
Bill:
How about getting together for breakfast at my club some morning soon? It would give us an opportunity to bring ourselves up-to-date with each other. If that appeals to you as a good idea, please suggest a date or two and we can go from there.
Best regards,
Randy
Hi Randy,
Thanks for your note.
My plate is full right now, and I'm overscheduled, so I will contact you when things improve. In the meantime, thanks for thinking of me.
:B