How to Nicely Turn Down a Guy

If you're not interested, be sure not to give him the wrong impression.

Having to turn a man down can be more difficult for you than him. Of course, you don't want to hurt his feelings, but if he really likes you, feelings are bound be hurt. The trick is figuring out how to minimize the pain for both of you. Turning someone down is complicated no matter how polite you are because you never know how someone will react to rejection. Your best chances of having it go smoothly are when you do it nicely and politely.

Instructions

1. If a man is asking you out for the first time, consider the effort and courage it took for him to ask you. Consider the feelings involved -- both yours and his.

2. Give a short but concise response. Say simply "No, thank you" and be done with it. Being brief gives the message that you mean no and there will be no confusion on whether he should ask you again in the future. Also, being honest will make you feel better.

3. Your body language should tell him that you are not interested. Do not encourage him with mixed signals.

4. Treat him just like a friend. You can have a conversation with him but stay away from physical contact or touching. You might be this way with everyone, but you don't want him taking innocent contact the wrong way.

References

• Just dating reviews: How to turn someone down politely