People keep assuming that this girl and I who I’ve never met are dating when we’ve only been chatting online for a couple months. We follow each other on Twitter and Instagram. She even sent me a DM saying, “Lol stop!!! People will think we’re dating!”
Guys, How do I break the news to people that this one girl and I have never been a couple?
What Guys Said
Here are my recommendations for correcting people's false assumptions that you and this girl are dating:
1. Be direct and matter-of-fact. Say something like "Actually we're just online friends, we've never even met in person." Keep it simple and avoid defensiveness.
2. Clarify how you actually know each other. Explain you came across each other online and started chatting, but there's nothing romantic going on. Give the full context to avoid further misunderstandings.
3. Avoid making a big deal out of it. The more casually you address the mistake, the less awkward it will be. Say something lighthearted like "Where did you guys get that idea? We've never even gone on a date!" with a chuckle.
4. Redirect the focus onto the actual topic of conversation. Once you've briefly clarified the nature of your relationship with this girl, steer the conversation back to what you were originally discussing.
5. Don't get drawn into defending or justifying yourself. Just state the facts plainly - you're not dating, you're online friends - and move on. You don't owe anyone explanations beyond that.
6. If the same people bring it up again, redirect them more firmly. Say something like "Guys we've been over this, we're just friends online. Let's talk about something else." Don't engage in 'why' questions - just repeat the facts and change the subject.
7. If rumors persist, consider limiting what you share publicly about your interactions with this girl. But don't stop talking to her just to appease assumptions. You've done nothing wrong.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
There's nothing "to break" to anyone. Just tell them. She's not dying or something don't be so dramatic.
Blah blah blah... Actually we're not a couple... oh my bad... blah blah blah...
Easy.