How do you respond when someone says, “I just want to be friends” after dating you and then they ghost you?

[Being_a_good_Indian]

[misogynistic_pig]

The best response in this situation depends on your own feelings and the relationship you want to have with that person.

If you still have an interest in that person, but they have been told that they only want to be friends, it is important that you respect your feelings and your decision.

Force a relationship or make someone change your mind not healthy or ethical.

Instead of trying to convince the person to change his mind, you can thank him for his honesty and take time to reflect on your own feelings.

If you decide that you can handle a friendly relationship with that person, you can accept the offer of friendship and try to build a significant friendship based on interest and shared experiences.

On the other hand, if you feel that you can not handle a friendly relationship with that person and that your romantic feelings will prevent you from enjoying your company on a platonic way, it is important that you be honest with yourself and with the other person.

You can explain that you respect your decision, but you are not interested in a friendship at this time.

If necessary, you can also take distance to heal your own feelings before trying to build a friendship in the future.

[AdithyaR]

I'd say they lost the chance for a friendship or a relationship the moment they decided to ghost. I don't associate with people who lack communication skills.

[melanieeeB]

"Okay cool, thanks for the great time tho"

I just wanna be friends = I wanna let you down slowly, stay friendly with you, have no beef or bad blood between us but wanna move on and have no real contact with you

[melanieeeB]

You see it, you recognize it and let it be and move on. It's really easy. No passive aggressive "I'm hurt" reaction, okay and move on.

[Pinay_ako]

I ghost them back. That is my response! If they come crawling back into my life, I can assure them, I don’t wanna have anything to do with them

[Brittanyroseee]

“Then why the fuck did you date me? Fuckin dumb ass” that’s how i would respond cuz you don’t go on dates, or be in a relationship with someone that you clearly are
1. not attracted to
2. not interested in

[Adam1978]

I don't want to be friends with people who reject me. So I would not notice because I move on.

[designer1]

Leave them be like they want I guess. Sorry that happened.

[Fireguy17]

no thanks, I have plenty of friends.
I am looking for that 1 special person in my life.

[RockyHammock]

I dont think that warrants a response. If they don't see a future with you, move on.

[ThomasDavid1989]

I go "well, that makes sense"

Girls and guys can't be "just friends". IT DOES NOT WORK, LADIES

[Anonymous]

Just ghost them back and never speak to then again.

[NostalgiaSenpi]

No, we're not friends.