【正确答案】
Don't Hesitate to Say" No"
Many of us find it difficult to protect our time and space on studies, especially with our closest friends. Some want to socialize, discuss personal problems, others try to draw us into gossip, when what we really want to do is work on a term paper.
It is very necessary to maintain a network of friends, of course, for the flow of communication they provide as well as the alliances we may later need. But if the most important time slot is being eaten away by social demands— to such an extent that I can't do my own work—then I'll simply say No!
Saying no doesn't mean being a prude or being grumpy. Sometimes I will try to put off a lengthy discussion of campus affairs by requesting a rain check or asking if the discussion can hold till lunch.
If it's impossible to keep on studying when my roommates keep chatting away, I'll find a quiet spot in the library, and later try to make my friends know that I haven't abandoned them but that I have serious work to do.
Therefore, saying "No" to friends does not necessarily mean personal offense. As long as we handle it nicely, other people will understand our point and friendship will remain.