How to Break a Date Politely

You may have forgotten another obligation, or you may have just realized that you have nothing in common with her. Whatever the reason, when you need to break a date with someone, politeness and tact can help both of you through the situation.

Instructions

1. Give your date plenty of warning so she can make other plans. Breaking the date at the last minute is only polite if you have an emergency or if you're ill.

2. Break the date in person if possible, especially if you hope to see this person again. Breaking the date in person tells him that he's important to you. If you can't break the date in person, break it over the phone. Break the date via a text message or email only if there's no other alternative.

3. Be honest, but tactful. Tell her why you need to break the date, even if it's because you realize that the two of you aren't compatible. Focus on your own reasons, taking care not to hurt her feelings.

4. Offer a sincere apology. Breaking a date inconveniences the other person and may even deeply hurt him. Make your apology specific to the situation instead of giving him an all-purpose, "I'm sorry."

5. Don't trade dates. Breaking a date because you have a better offer reveals a lack of politeness, and so you should never tell someone that this is why you're canceling. To be truly polite, you should never break a date for this reason.

6. Reschedule the date when you break it, if you want to see this person again. If you can't commit to a new date at this time, tell her that you really are interested and would like to go on the date soon.

Tips & Warnings

• If you make breaking a date a regular part of your relationship, she'll probably find someone more reliable to date, no matter how politely you break a date.

• Don't imply that you'll call someone for a date if you know you won't. Though it can make him feel better in the moment, it eventually makes both of you feel much worse about the situation.