they will eventually get the answer they are seeking from you.

Saying no can be incredibly difficult but really meaning no and being firm in your answer can be even harder. In order to be able to say no and really mean it you have to ensure that your tone of voice is firm and that your answer does not offer apologies. You also have to be sure that you offer valid reasons for your answer and that your answer remains consistent no matter how many times the request is made. All of this can be difficult especially if you are truly interested in helping others but you also need to realize that you have a right to say no for any reason and that your answer should be respected.