How do I deal with the possibility of men hitting on me at the social event?

[Anonymous]

When I am dealing with severe depression and I’m in the middle of a depressive episode? I don’t want to share this with random people in person and I seem like the last sort of person who’d ever be depressed. I’m attractive, articulate, warm, bubbly, funny and often very cheerful and a life of the party sort that draws people to them, especially men. But every day I’m crippled with anxiety and depression, low self esteem and low energy, which is worse right now. At my best, I ring all the counselling lines several times a week, just to cope with everyday life. So I don’t fall apart completely. No one knows this about me. I seem to have it all together, but on the inside, I’m a mess. I’m worse now. To the point where I can’t hide it from those close to me. So how do I explain if I meet someone nice and we get along, that I’m not ready yet?

[Anonymous]

S*** happens. You just deal with it the way that you need to or is necessary. Men deal with this to you know. Contrary to popular belief we are not "open for business" in the relationship dept. 24/7. I had a ladyfriend who still won't talk to me 10 years. Later because she hit on me at a time when I wasn't in place to date anyone. It wasn't personal, but she took it that way.

Just be as polite as possible but FIRM. And if they don't take the hint then you've earned the right to be not so nice.

What you could do is attend the event dressed down as well. That might help. It's pretty obvious when a woman is trying to showcase herself.

[Subflics]

The best way is simplicity. A "no thanks" should suffice and do not wait/expect for a reply

[Yannishka]

Just politely reject them.