Things You'll Need:
- Etiquette Books
- Stress Relief Products
- Telephones
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Step 1
Try subtle hints that let the other party know that you're not interested in romance. For instance, "I really value our friendship" (with emphasis on "friend"), or "It's so nice to have a guy/girl friend who I can talk to without any kind of romantic tension to get in the way."
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Step 2
Mention that you're involved with someone else (assuming that's true) if the other party is a new acquaintance and shows unwanted romantic interest.
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Step 3
Tell the person up front that you enjoy being single right now and are not looking for a romantic partner, but that you're always looking for new friends.
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Step 4
Make a joke out of your rejection if the person is an older friend: "We'd never make a good couple; we know each other's hang-ups too well - there'd be nothing to argue about!"
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Step 5
Be honest and tell your friend why you don't think a relationship would work out, unless the real reason is that you aren't attracted to him or her. Even the closest of buddies would have a hard time rekindling a friendship after such a harsh rejection.
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Step 6
Change the subject after you've dashed the notion of romance and try to forget about what just happened. Dwelling on the reasons why you don't want to get involved with a friend won't do the friendship any good.
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Step 7
Enjoy the friendship as you always have.
Comments
ironguy said
on 6/30/2009 This stuff is retarded, wicked, and deceitful. If your going to shatter a man's (or possibly a woman's) heart, at least have the respect for him to do tell him why he's lacking. But wait, if your doing any of this method, you already lack that respect for him. Never mind, carry on with your hurtful love games.
Faith3 said
on 11/12/2008 did not have the decency to pick up the phone to tell me in a respectful manner that he could not make it, and thank me for the invite.
I did not even bother calling him back. Two weeks later he left me a message and told me to call him back if I want to. He knows I am not thrilled with the way he treated me.
Faith3 said
on 11/12/2008 I feel that honesty is the best policy, although the truth does hurt. Be as straight up as you possibly can, without hurting the other person's feelings. You have to be tactful with the choice of words you use when explaining your feelings. True friendship has the following elements, respect, honesty, truth, boundaries, communication.
A friend of mine who I know 25 years told me he was interested in a relationship with me. I told him that I am not interested in getting involved with anyone at the present time in my life, as I have so much going on right now. In addition, I told him that I did not think it was a good idea for us to get involved, because if it did not work out, it will ruin our friendship. Well, sure enough, he did not understand right away. He kept on pressing the issue for four months straight. I think he finally understands, although he is very angry at me, since he
Faith3 said
on 11/12/2008 I feel that honesty is the best policy, although the truth does hurt. Be as straight up as you possibly can, without hurting the other person's feelings. You have to be tactful with the choice of words you use when explaining your feelings. True friendship has the following elements, respect, honesty, truth, boundaries, communication.
A friend of mine who I know 25 years told me he was interested in a relationship with me. I told him that I am not interested in getting involved with anyone at the present time in my life, as I have so much going on right now. In addition, I told him that I did not think it was a good idea for us to get involved, because if it did not work out, it will ruin our friendship. Well, sure enough, he did not understand right away. He kept on pressing the issue for four months straight. I think he finally understands, although he is very angry at me, since he
befree said
on 11/5/2008 I think step 3 is the only good answer above, the other answers are vague and leave the person who wants to have a relationship to hang on for the future possibility. Women definitely have a hard time saying "I'm not interested in a romantic relationship with you", but men need to hear it straight or they read into the statement..."that means 'not now', or 'wait til this other relationship ends', or ????". It's a hard thing. I thought I was having a friendship relationship with a man who I could have great conversations about movie storylines so we said "we should go see movies together". So, then we pick a movie, when I got an email saying "am I picking you up" I KNEW the lines had been blurred - I thought we were going as buddies - to him it was a date. I wanted to meet at the theater since I was coming from work, only to find he bought my ticket (another boundary crossed), then h