Guides · Scripts · 4 min read
Saying No to Pushy Helpers: Boundary Scripts That Work
Short, polite, firm phrases for unwanted offers of help with bags, taxis or directions, and what to do if someone won't take no for an answer.
Most offers of help are genuine. Some aren't: someone grabs a bag to demand a tip, insists on a taxi, or uses "help" to start a conversation you don't want. Many women are raised to be polite first. Here, clear beats polite.
The three-part no
- Say no once, clearly. "No, thank you. I've got it."
- Don't explain. Reasons invite negotiation.
- Keep moving. Keep hold of your bag and continue towards where you were going.
Scripts to practise
- Bags: "No, thank you. I'm carrying it myself."
- Taxis: "No, thank you. My ride is booked."
- Directions: "Thanks, I know where I'm going."
- Someone persistent: "I said no. Please step back."
Practise them out loud before you travel. They come more easily when you've said them before.
If it escalates
- Move towards other people: a shop, a ticket office, a staff member in uniform.
- Ask a specific person for help: "You in the blue jacket, can you help me?"
- If your bag is taken, let it go if keeping it means a struggle. Things can be replaced.
- Report it to staff or police afterwards, and to your travel insurer if anything was lost.
General information for planning your own travel. It is not medical, legal or security advice, and it cannot make any place or situation safe. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.