Turn down offer with kindness

Mon., April 17, 2006

Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar The Spokesman-Review

Dear Annie: I am a 17-year-old high school senior, and I recently moved to a new school that I really like. I’ve made some new friends, mostly guys, although I’ve also gotten to know a few younger girls.

The senior prom is approaching quickly, and I really want to go. The problem is, I don’t want to go with any of the guys who have already asked me. Please tell me how to turn down a guy without being rude and hurting his feelings. I feel bad and don’t know what to say when this happens. – New Girl in Texas

Dear New Girl: You turn down a guy nicely by saying, as sweetly as possible, “You’re a really great guy and I’m flattered, but I’m going to say no. Sorry.” You are fortunate to have all these potential dates, and we trust you understand the risk in saying “no.” It’s quite possible the guy you DO want will ask someone else. We hope you are prepared to go alone, with friends, or show up with Dad.

Dear Annie: Did you know that an estimated 15.5 million youth participate in volunteer activities in the United States every year, and that by volunteering, these young people will perform better in school? According to a recent national study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the U.S. Census and Independent Sector, youth contribute more than 1.3 billion hours of community service each year.

To celebrate their ingenuity, idealism and passion, please remind your readers that the 18th annual National and Global Youth Service Day will take place Friday and Saturday. More than 115 national partners will bring together millions of young people to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism. Millions of youth from more than 150 countries will participate with their American peers.

For more information, your readers can visit www.YSA.org, or write to Youth Service America, 1101 15th St., NW, Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20005. They can also find volunteer opportunities in their communities today at www.SERVEnet.org. – Sincerely, Steven A. Culbertson, President and CEO, Youth Service America

Dear Steven Culbertson: Thank you for giving us the chance again to mention National and Global Youth Service Day. We hope our readers will check out those Web sites today and become involved in local volunteer projects.