How do I politely reject someone?

[Strawberry_bannakiwi]

[Anonymous]

You really can't. Nor should that be your focus. I get it. If you're decent person (and for the purposes of this question let's just assume you are) then it feels icky to reject someone. But the fact is his a big boy. And there are over 4 billion other women on the planet. In THAT respect, you are next special and he'll have other opportunities. So it really doesn't matter in the long run if you reject him. Guys have to learn rejection at some point. If not by you it'll be by someone else.

But by worrying about hurting his feelings you're only making the situation worse. Think of it in these terms. Would you rather be shot in the head and die instantly or be shot a half a dozen times in the stomach and bleed to death S-L-O-W-L-Y? By worrying about hurting him, you're doing the latter to him. Guys are taught to be persistent and not give up. We can handle a definite "NO". But we struggle with is an unclear message that make it appear like we need to try harder. Because we as guys will (at least inexperienced guys that have trouble reading the signs).

So don't be a 🐱! Just tell him you're not interested. Tell him not if he was the last guy on earth, but you're flattered by the offer (if you want to be nice) but make it very clear there is no scenario on God's green earth where you'll date him. Sorry.👍

[Zack-Bann]

Easy
Pretend you’re rejecting them in front if their mother.


Your polite instinct will kick in


Just make sure you’re also firm in your stance


The worst rejection is a flimsy rejection
If he thinks he still has a chance he will be confused and might attempt to push back against it

[Nikki1989]

Easily. Keep the focus on yourself and your needs, not their flaws.

[OneViewpoint]

Just be as honest as possible while still being kind. Thank them for their interest. And don't offer any false hope. White lies are permissible here, LOL.

[BarryLiverstone]

I’m flattered, but honestly I’m focused on something else right now. But thank you so much for making an effort

[Genie23]

That’s sweet, but don’t you feel that wording might leave some hope? Saying ‘"I'm focusing on something else right now" doesn’t explicitly say she’s not interested. I've said something similar in the past and guys kept asking me later, thinking I might be ready then. It was so awkward.

[BarryLiverstone]

You are right, it’s not really slamming the door shut. But as you said it’s not meant to destroy their ego on the spot.

[Anonymous]

Just say "no thanks" (and politely explain why not).

[ohsheeT]

Just be honest

[Anonymous]

Be direct and honest, but also firm.

[Anonymous]

“I'm sorry, no thank you.”

[In_Trance]

You say "sorry I'm not interested" and move on

[MasterKS]

Just be straight forward.

[Screenwriter]

@MasterKS Yep. Straight forward is the ticket. And remind the person you're rejecting that they are not suitable for YOU. Compliment them on the good things you notice about them and thank them for the time they've spent with you.

[MasterKS]

@Screenwriter I second! kudos.

[Screenwriter]

I did this with a woman I was befriending that it did not work out with. I thanked her for the positives she shared with me. Then ended our interaction. IN PERSON, if at all possible.

[wkhan_87]

Say that politely