How to say the hard things

The messages you dread — written for you.

Saying no, apologizing for real, setting a boundary, bringing up a problem. Here's how to say the hard thing so it lands — then write your own.

Pick one

• say no to plans
• apologize over text
• set a boundary with someone
• cancel plans last minute
• tell someone you're not interested
• bring up a problem
• ask for space
• end a friendship
• check in on someone struggling
• tell someone they hurt you
• text your crush
• respond to being ghosted
• reconnect with an old friend
• say happy birthday to an ex
• tell your roommate something bothers you
• text someone after a fight
• make plans over text
• start a conversation on a dating app
• text someone you just met
• end things with someone you're dating