“I can” or “I can’t,” not “I can but I’d rather not.”
“I will” or “I won’t,” not “I will if nobody else will.”
“I am available” or “I am unavailable,” not “I can be available if no one else is.’
If there is an obligation that needs fulfilling and we are a) able, b) willing, and c) free, let’s just say “yes.” If we are not any of those three, let’s just say “no.”
Simple as that.
“I would prefer not to” Bartleby
I always ask, is it after 4 p.m.?