How to Reject a Guy Asking for a Phone Number

Although the guy that you've been talking to is pleasant enough, he's certainly not your type. You'll need to find a way to turn him down, then, when he asks for your phone number. Try these strategies to let him down gently and keep him from pursuing you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Tell him you have a rule not to give out your private phone number. Mention that you've had a few negative experiences in the past so he won't feel like you're singling him out. Take his number (without promising to call) if it will make him feel better.
2. Acknowledge that you've enjoyed meeting him, but that you're not interested in seeing anyone right now. Explain that you're busy with work, school or extracurricular activities and that you won't have time to talk.
3. Offer the guy your email address instead. Tell him you rarely answer your phone, but that you check your Internet account frequently. If he emails you, simply reply with a terse, but polite, comment without encouraging him to write again.
4. Say that you're seeing someone and mention he'd be jealous if you gave your phone number to another guy. Apologize if you've given him the wrong impression or led him in any way. Only use the "I have a boyfriend" line if he's someone you'll never see again or who doesn't have mutual friends that might tell him it's a lie.
5. Give him the wrong phone number if all else fails. Combine digits of your home and cell phone number to make the number easy to remember in case he asks you to repeat it later. Only give him the number as you're heading out the door in case he tries to call it to check its authenticity.