The overall tone of your letter or email should be polite, gracious, and forward-looking. Below are key things to consider when you want to politely decline a job offer but leave the door open.

Yes, it is perfectly polite to close the door when you need privacy. All you have to do is go to the door, say, “Excuse me, I’m going to close the door for a little while now,” and do so.

Yes, it is perfectly polite to close the door when you need privacy. All you have to do is go to the door, say, “Excuse me, I’m going to close the door for a little while now,” and do so.

In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who has a problem with their husband holding the door open for others in public places.