We sometimes imbue suggestions or requests with far more power than they warrant. I’m often surprised – though perhaps I shouldn’t be – when people tell me they “have” to do something, even though they literally only received a request to do that thing.
Don’t interpret requests as anything but! You can decline; and you should, if the request doesn’t fit your life right now.
You might think that the “polite request” is actually an order in disguise. All the better reason to say no! If you’re going to order me around, you’re at least going to admit that’s what you’re doing.
Until you do, it’s only a suggestion.
The Opportunity Machine 