Turning down pushy holiday hosts

[CuJo1992]

What is it about hosts of gatherings and parties in the holiday season that makes them so pushy about the food and drinks they’re serving. I can’t stand that. If I want something, I’ll accept it when it is offered. If I don’t want something, that’s why I’ve said “no”. Stop pressuring me and making me feel bad for not eating something or drinking something that I don’t want! It’s like the people who like me the most are actively trying to make sure that all of my hard work to lose weight will be ruined!

[kellykatt]

OMG that bothers me so much. Why are people like that! I vow not to do that to anyone this year.

[Ron]

Just eat what you want and if you don't want it, then turn it down graciously. if a host is being really pushy about it, then take a small amount of what they are offering and then have enough to taste it before you just set it aside or secretly throw it out. There is no reason for you to go against what you want for your health just because someone else thinks that you need a cookie.

[suzie]

I find that the best thing that you can do is simply to politely refuse and then just keep a smile on your face. Chuckle with all of the insistence as though you’re being teased, and just keep shaking your head and saying “no thank you”. The key is to remain bright and positive. Never look like you are becoming frustrated (even if all you want to do is scream at the person to give it a rest). As long as you remain bright and happy looking then you won’t offend anyone even if you keep refusing the more they insist.

If they actually put it on your plate or in your hand, there is nothing forcing you to eat it. Especially after you’ve refused multiple times. Just leave it there. If you want to take a teensy bite, go for it so you can say that it’s very good but this proves that you really were serious when you refused it the first time. Plus, if you already have something in your hand, it’s unlikely that anything else will be forced on you haha.

[ffviifan]

If they won't stop being pushy, just take one and then set it down and don't eat it.

[kellykatt]

If they won't stop being pushy, just take one and then set it down and don't eat it.

That's what I usually do. I just pretend like I'm giving in and taking one of whatever it is. Then I just keep talking to people and pretend as though I've completely forgotten that I'm even holding it or that I've set it aside for "in a minute". Then, I just abandon it wherever I leave my glass.

Plus, when you're already holding something, that's a great way to turn down something else later on because you can say "oh no thanks, I still haven't eaten this!"