I had a roommate/landlord that raved about his Landmark experience and repeatedly invited me. I politely declined his invitation. He, of course, questioned why I wasn't interested in at least trying it. I honestly explained that I had just left a cult-like religious group, so I wasn't interested in joining anything. He seemed to understand and stopped asking me.

Later, my best friend joined Landmark. He already knew my history and that I was unlikely to try it, but I listened to his experiences and told him that I appreciated that he got something out of Landmark. I also told him some of the history of Landmark that he wasn't aware of -- that it originated from 1970's era seminar "est training" and was known for brutal, high pressure gimmicks. He continued to share his experiences, but never tried to invite me.

Hm, had to look that one up. It's just Werner Erhard's "Est", retreaded for a new generation. You're right not to be interested, but I can't help but wonder what part of "no" you are unable to say, and why. There's nothing ungracious about saying no. Do you want to go out for dinner tonight? No. Do you think Trump makes a good president? No.

Or if you want to be "gracious", "no, thank you" works.

Is she gracious about pushing it on you? I would say no thanks as often as it takes to get the point across. If that doesn't work, I would tell her that if she doesn't stop pushing it on me, we would not be able to be friends.

No is a complete sentence.

Come on Howard. Be direct, look them in the eye and say no!! A cult. Really??

I feel for you. No one wants to hurt a friend's feelings, but it's not like you'd be turning down a night at the movies.

This is an investment of time, money and also not for everyone who doesn't wish to share their personal stories with strangers. A friend should understand that.

You can try what I've said in response, the few times I'd been asked.

"I'm so glad to hear you're getting so much out of it. I'm touched that you want to bring me into this process ("process" is a very landmark forum term, I'm guessing), but I really don't think it's right for me."

My inside voice:

"Besides - any issues, I may have had, completely disappeared the moment I gave up religion."

Sorry not interested. Tell it like it is.

I live in Australia and we too are infested with them. I have several friends who love it and I have been approached by them to attend. I went to an introduction to see what it was about and declined to attend further sessions. Found it to be a cult as you say, they try to bully people into their ways and yes get as much money from you as possible. I am so surprised because most of my friends are smart and some of them are more educated than me but still they fall, that shows you how gullible people can be. Sometimes education and a hight IQ is wasted on some.

No thanks! If she's a friend, she should respect your answer.