Politely declining an invitation to hang out with someone requires tact and sensitivity. Here's a suggestion for how to do it:
Express gratitude: Start by expressing your appreciation for the invitation and the thoughtfulness behind it. This sets a positive tone and shows that you value the person's friendship.
Be honest and straightforward: While it might be tempting to make up an excuse, it's generally better to be honest without being overly detailed or specific. You can say something like, "I really appreciate the offer, but I won't be able to hang out this time."
Avoid blame or criticism: Make sure your response is not about the person themselves but about your own circumstances or preferences. For example, instead of saying, "I don't want to hang out with you," say something like, "I have other plans," or "I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and need some time alone."
Offer an alternative (if appropriate): If you genuinely like the person but are just unable to hang out at that moment, you can offer an alternative, like, "I can't do it this weekend, but maybe we can plan something for next week?"
End on a positive note: Conclude your response with a friendly and positive statement, such as, "Thanks again for thinking of me, and I hope you have a great time."
Putting it all together, a polite response could be something like:
"Thank you so much for the invitation. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I won't be able to hang out this time. I have some prior commitments. But I hope you have a fantastic time! Let's catch up soon."
Remember, it's important to be respectful and considerate of the other person's feelings while still maintaining your boundaries. Honesty and kindness go a long way in handling these situations gracefully.