“I’ll try” is often a polite no. Give people the real answer.

Soft maybes feel kind in the moment and cost more later. The other person hears a door left open and plans around it, while you have already quietly decided. When the day comes, they are not just disappointed, they are also behind.

Think of one thing you have half agreed to and do not intend to do. Send the short message today: you are out, and you would rather say so than leave them guessing. It is two awkward lines and it buys back a week of theirs.