I’m a secretary at my office and I have to get everyone cakes for their birthdays. Then we all get together in one room in a circle and eat it. Thing is…I have at least 15 ppl in my office and some people’s birthdays cluster. The problem isn’t temptation – I don’t even want the cake. However, we are all facing each other and it will be obvious if I don’t eat it. Whenever someone can’t have a cake (allergies or something) everyone goes “awww” I could easily reject every cake! (I do love sweets, but my idea of a treat is a jar of Nutella at home, not eating cake at a stressful office lol…seems like wasted sugar cals if I don’t even like it!) I don’t know how to say no without looking socially awkward. Right now, we are doing a double bday but I’m gonna say that my stomach feels uncomfortable. IDK what to do…I guess no matter what it’ll always be awkward, but idk the best way to say No (or the best excuse, I don’t mind embellishing if you all have any tips!).

I think that once you start to say no, and be firm about it, then people will start to realize that you just won't take any. At first it might be like "awwwwwww" but eventually, I'm sure the attention will be focused on something else and the fact that you aren't eating any won't even matter.

I suggest making sure you have something in your hand, like a drink (water, diet soda or something) or even a healthy snack (fruit, carrot sticks). That was when you're asked if you want a slice, you can politely respond with a "no thank you, I'm good"

Just tell them you are on a diet and don't eat cake. They'll get over it!! No reason to eat something that won't help you reach your goals!

I turn down food all the time. When people ask me how I'm doing it I remind them sometimes... I guess that's kinda snarky, but it's life!

Bring a bottle of water. You won't feel as awkward about refusing because you'll be siping on something. Worked for me at least. Just saying No thank you should be enough. Hopefully no one tries to forcefeed you or anything. Or you can always take a slice of cake and kinda push it around on your plate. Mess around with it. If someone ask just say your not feeling that hungry right now and you'll take it home for later(where you can secretly toss it) :P

Is there a need to give them a reason?

Are they asking "Hey! Why don't you have cake"?

If you can just not take cake, and no one says anything, then you're off the hook. No need to bring attention to something that no one's asked about.

If they're asking, "Why no cake?" You can just reply that you don't feel like having any today. You don't have to say that you're watching what you're eating, unless you want to say that. Something along the lines of "Sweet cake just wouldn't sit right with my stomach."

Or if all they're saying is "Do you want cake?" A simple "Not today, thanks!" Or "No, thanks!" is all that's needed.

Try saying some variation of "In a minute," or "In a little while." Like, "I had a late breakfast, maybe in a little while." I find that when you don't directly refuse something then people don't feel bad or slighted but they don't remember if you had any or not!

You can get firm and say no, which I've had to do before. You don't need to explain anything to anyone. If you don't want a piece of cake, don't have it.

I would just say something like "it sure looks delicious, but none for me thank you!" You don't need to provide them with a reason or anything, just kindly turn it down!

Also, if people ask why you don't want cake, I usually just say along the lines of it being personal. People usually then realize that it's none of their business

I go to bars with my daughter where they hold karaoke nights. I go to sing; I don't drink. Often, I get comments that I'm drinking a seltzer...and I reply that I don't drink. Sometimes people want to buy me a beer or wine or whatever it is they are drinking (sometimes a shot...lol) and again I politely decline and say I don't drink. Generally, my reply is enough. Sometimes people will ask if I'm a recovering alcoholic and I reply no, I just don't drink, or I tell them the truth, I'm diabetic with a liver condition, and that I also don't eat sushi or take anything with Tylenol in it. Then, they feel bad that they asked...but they never ask me again.

You can just hold your ground and say you are not in the mood for cake. You could even tell that little fib that your stomach is unsettled and the idea of cake is making it worse. Don't eat the cake enough times, and it will seem normal.

We have ice cream "socials" at work. I stopped going altogether. I don't need the calories, if I want ice cream I'll take myself to Carvel, and the crap they serve is...crap...lol Just because its available doesn't mean you have to eat it. Good luck.

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know I just said "No thanks" I guess that I was nervous because at my old office, people would hassle me if I said no, and eventually I would give in (luckily, I have become more disciplined since then). In the end, a few people were complaining that they overate all that sugar, and I can totally relate, and I'm relieved because this time I didn't have to. Thanks all! =)

It's easy. Just say "no thank you." If they pester you, continue to say "really, I'm fine" they'll give up eventually and enjoy their cake! Don't feel pressured from people to eat, I doubt they're gonna start hating you for turning down cake =p

It's the same at my job, except they buy 150+ cupcakes. I just simply tell them no. I know it's awkward but I shouldn't have to give anyone reasons as to why I don't want to eat something.

I am constantly offered donuts at work because I'm "so skinny". They now know that I will not give an excuse for refusing so they just say okay.

When I'm forced into awkward office birthday/baby shower/wedding shower/whatever cake situations, I usually just take a piece, try a little bit of the icing, push it around on the plate, take the rest to my office and ditch it in the garbage. It's easier for me to just slide under the radar than have people pushing it on me. And usually half a cake sits in the kitchen area for the next week anyway, so it's not like I'm really wasting it. I don't like cake that much though..so it works. I'd have a much harder time throwing out a cupcake, so I would probably just refuse in that case

Yay thats good! Cake always makes me feel bloated and gives me a stomachache so I don't bother eating either especially because store bought never tastes as good as home made cake!