I don't particularly care for people in general. Maybe (like you) I'm scared of them...I know I have become more and more isolated as the years have gone by.

can you say NO ...absolutely BUT that does not mean that it will be the end. I'm only talking from personal experience but even though you have the right to say no....they have the right to keep nagging..."it will be good for you"..."you shouldn't isolate yourself like this"...yada, yada, yada.....

and I still keep saying no with a smile on my face.