What's the best way to say no to a girl?

[lightninghunter]

I met this girl a few months back at a social gathering, then we met a couple times just for catching up, she's into me, and I used to like another girl and I don't want to date anyone as of now as I know I would literally be using her and dumping her later on. So I just want to say no to her but there's some part of me which cares as I got rejected before and I don't want her to get hurt.

So that's the question how to decline with the least harm inflicted on the other person.

[Guy13]

Saying NO from a Business worldview is not any different than on a personal level. The first thing is not to hem-haw around. Simply come out with it in brief two or three sentences that describe the situation, company position, and outcome. Less said the better !!

In case one receives both push-back and feedback then be firm and duplicate what was said previously in a most gentle, understanding, and accommodating tone. Putting your needs and welfare first is imperative and should be clearly expressed or itemized in one of your four sentences.

It is really not your place to suggest an alternative action but "not to mislead you in dishonesty and detrimental intention is really where my heart is. I want the best for you and please do this in a place that one would consider their home turf. Sometimes devastating news can be immobilizing so the right place/timing would be including these things into your Plan.

[WanderingLoveWizard]

"You're awesome and I like you a lot, but I'm really just not in the right place right now to start another relationship. You are cute though!"

Is exactly what I said to a girl who tried to get with me shortly after my girlfriend died.

Her response was something like, "I totally understand! I'm always here if you want to hang out or just chat"

(Of course my situation differs from yours, but the same concept applies. Give them a little sugar and let em down easy)

[lightninghunter]

That's actually a nice one! Thanks

[WanderingLoveWizard]

Sure man!

[ShiftingMonke]

I agree with this one.

[CateM]

Just. Say. No. Be honest with her, because it's better to reject her than to lead her on

[Anonymous]

Just say sorry, but no. I don't see what is so hard about it.

[Sparkie460]

Just tell her the truth. Tell her that you don't want to date anyone right now, you need some "me" time.

[In_Trance]

How about "No"?