How to Reject a Romantic Date Offer
Turning down a date offer from an overzealous admirer is never a task to look forward to. The general awkwardness of the exchange is often tempered with feelings of guilt from the rejector and failure from the rejected. Although the act of refusing a date is relatively harmless, the worst case scenario is the permanent loss of a platonic friendship that might have developed into something more over time. Here you will find how to artfully reject a romantic date offer with both you and your failed suitor's dignity intact.
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Instructions
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Be sure to get your unwanted date alone. There's no need to embarrass him in front of a crowd.
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Begin your exchange with a genuine smile. Although you don't want to lead this person on, there's nothing wrong with being polite and setting a positive mood.
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Tell this person how flattered you were with her date offer, but that you can't accept. Try to be as honest as possible when giving your reason why if they ask, yet don't feel responsible for giving a laundry list of excuses. Brevity is best.
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If your failed suitor becomes belligerent or rude, simply walk away. Avoid the temptation of further discussion, even in defense of yourself. You don't have to answer to anyone but yourself.
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End the exchange on a lighthearted note. Give your failed suitor another smile.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a friend who may be more compatible with your failed suitor than you are, bring the possibility of a love match up to both of them separately. You could be introducing someone to her future spouse.
By keeping the tenor of your rejection more positive, you are preventing a burnt bridge; this person may be your Mr. Right further down the road.
Don't lie to your failed suitor. Pretending to be married, engaged or otherwise taken only for the sake of rejecting a date offer is a transparent tactic.
Never speak to a failed suitor in a completely private place, especially if you don't know her well. Always consider your own safety--even if this means calling to reject the date offer.
Resources
- Photo Credit image from http://www.irishhealth.com
