Q&A for How to Tell Someone You're Not Interested

Focusing on your own, be honest, be direct. If you don’t want to talk, have the respect to tell the person that you're not interested, that you're busy or dating someone, but don't ghost them. Ghosting means showing that you are not confident, or being disrespectful.

If he is constantly asking you out, then it might be best for you to limit your contact with him. He isn't respecting your decisions, which isn't okay. Listen to your intuition. If you think you should stop talking to him, then that's likely the best decision for you.

It's best to talk to your friend about how you really feel. Say, "We are really great as friends, and I would never want to risk our friendship. I don't want to hurt your feelings because I care about you, but I'm not interested in being more than friends."

It's normal for people to be upset when they feel rejected by someone, but rejection is unavoidable sometimes. You don't owe anyone your attention or a relationship. If they are trying to make you feel bad, then they aren't being fair to you.

First, it's probably best that you not meet up with this person when they're in town, as they aren't respecting your wishes. Additionally, talk to your friends and family to let them know what's going on so that you have supports in place for when he's in town. You might also want to let him know that you plan on giving him his space while he's in town, as you're not interested in him that way. Say, "I hope you have a great trip, but I have other plans that week. I'm not interested in meeting up with you." If he tries to pressure you into meeting or doing something you don't want, tell someone who can help you. You do not owe him anything.

It's best to be direct with him. Say, "I want to tell you about the guy I've been seeing." You could also start the conversation with something like, "I met a really nice guy at a party, and we've been on a few dates."

Be direct in telling them how you feel. Say, "I appreciate that you're willing to come here, but I don't want to meet up with you." If they decide to come anyway, don't agree to go see them, as they're not being fair to you.

If you've told him you aren't interested but he keeps pursuing you, ask him to leave you alone. Say, "I've already told you 'no,' so please stop asking." If he still keeps making you uncomfortable, tell someone you can trust. For example, at school, you might tell your teacher or a counselor.