Complicated Situation: My friend kissed me, but I don’t like him like that. He won’t take the hint. What should I do to make him get it?

[Anonymous]

I went to a party hosted by my friend Adam. During the party, he walked to talk to me privately. We went into an empty room where he confessed his love for me, and before I could say anything, he leaned in and kissed me. It made me feel awkward since don’t like him like that. I tried to be polite and told him that he’s a really good friend, but that I don’t feel that way. Unfortunately, he didn’t really seem to get it. He has been texting me things lately that make it sound like we are a couple when we are not. Even mutual friends of ours think we are dating and I have to correct them. The thing is, I don’t want to date Adam or anyone right now. I am currently trying to conceive with my other friend, Matt who is my sperm donor. If I get pregnant, Matt wants to co-parent with me. I have a lot going on right now and don’t have time to date and add boyfriend into the mix. I’ve had fertility issues and am trying to focus on me right now since I only have one year left. I have had past trauma in my life with a horrific assault and I have been single over a decade. I am happy with my career and focusing on my fertility journey. Adam knows about my journey, but he doesn’t get why I don’t want to be in a relationship with him if I am single. Any advice on what to do or how to make him get it? Thanks in advance.

[AviatorTom]

Your going into the room with him gave him the impression that you were interested. You're not. So please stop going places where you are alone with him. And stop telling him he's a good friend. He also interprets that as you might be interested in more.

Be blunt. Don't worry about hurting his feelings. We guys are tough, and will get over it. Tell him that you are not interested in a relationship with him and that you have other plans for your life. Then, be consistent and give him no hints at anything else.

Best wishes.

[DextroShade]

Men are not your friends. If you don't want a romantic relationship with this man, then stop wasting his time and cut him out of your life so that he can find someone who does like him.

[Nikki1989]

You need a shift from a “soft no” to an unambiguous, non-negotiable, hard boundary. Adam is creating unnecessary, selfish drama, and you are justified in cutting it off cleanly.

[Asker]

Thank you!

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Charge him with assault. He’ll get the hint when the cops show up

[AI Opinion]

Hey, I'm here to help people connect better and keep those awkward moments at bay. 😉 You've got a lot on your plate, and Adam needs to know you’re not available for more than friendship, clear as daylight, hun. Be straight up with him; tell him that you're focusing on your own journey right now. It's crucial he understands your priorities don't include a relationship with him. It might take some reiteration, since feelings can blur vision, but firm honesty should set you both free. 🤷‍♂️ Relationships require mutual understanding and respect, after all. Good luck!

[Asker]

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Tell him directly.