There is nothing more awkward than being asked out by someone that you would never go out with. When it happens, you don’t want to hurt their feelings and you certainly don’t want to be forced into a date. If you know how to politely turn down a date, it will leave the other person feeling better about themselves and will also score you some good karma points.
Confront the Situation
You never want to avoid someone that you know wants to ask you out. It is best to just get it over with and let them know that you do not want to date them. The sooner you let them know, the sooner the person can move on and hopefully find a prospect that will be attracted to them. Letting situations go on and on can only cause more harm.
Never Laugh
It takes guts to ask someone out on a date. Laughing at them will kill their self-esteem and it will just make you seem like an awful person. You need to be clear, but kind when you decline the invitation.
Be Honest
Never lie to get out of a date. For example, do not say things like you are leaving the country, moving away or are with someone unless these things are actually true. There is a good chance that the person will find out you lied. The world is very connected and it is not hard to find out if someone is being honest or if they told a bold-faced lie. Tell the truth even when it hurts.
Be Kind
This means that you should smile and let the person know that you are flattered, even if you are totally uninterested in him or her. Just let the person know that you do not think of him or her in “that way” and leave it at that. This will help to lessen the sting of rejection a bit. The person asking you knew that you saying “yes” was only a 50/50 chance, so he or she probably prepared a bit for rejection. Do not throw them a curveball by being rude and obnoxious with your rejection.
Be Firm
There are people who do not take “no” for an answer. Some people will chase you to the ends of the earth if you give them even the slightest glimmer of hope. With these people you need to be firm. You never want to lead anyone on because this can lead to significantly hurt feelings at some point in the future. It also can lead to someone stalking you.
Keep It to Yourself
Do not tell everyone you know that so and so asked you out and you said “no.” Telling your best friend is probably fine as long as your best friend is not a blabber mouth. If he or she is, then just keep this bit of information to yourself. Blabbing will just embarrass and humiliate the person and can lead to some self-esteem issues and hurt feelings.
What are your best tips for dealing with an unwanted invitation for a date?
