New norm idea: opt-in questions. What is it? It’s a question where the default answer is predefined, so you don’t need to say anything unless your answer is different.

For example: Predefined “no”

– “Robert, can I stay at your place when I’m visiting the city? [No]” – “Thanks for the question.”

In this case, Robert feels “I don’t know” or is leaning “no,” but he doesn’t need to process it or respond. He’d only reply if he felt “yes.”

The upside? Robert doesn’t have to engage, doesn’t have to feel bad for not responding, and if he wants to decline by not answering, it (hopefully) feels less personal or awkward.