How to Say No Politely To a Man Who Asks You Out

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Dating can be a complicated social situation to navigate. You want to explore what you want out of a relationship or a date, while still respecting the feelings of those around you. Sometimes men who you are not interested in may ask you out, and you should reject them honestly and kindly.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Saying No to A Man Who Asks You Out in Person

PDF download Download Article
  1. Especially if the man who is asking you out is an acquaintance or a friend, you don't want to interrupt him while he's speaking to you.
    • Even if you know that he's going to ask you out, and you want to say no, you don't want to cut him off. Cutting him off while he's talking makes you appear overly eager to reject him and rude.
    • Keep a respectful distance from him, and smile slightly. Don't move closer to him, or give him any body language indication that you might be interested.
  2. The worst thing you can do when you're politely rejecting someone is to string him along. It might hard for him to hear “no” at first, but it will be much nicer in the long run. [1]
    • Don't make excuses. You don't need to lie. Unless it's true, don't tell him that you're in a relationship. Don't give him a line like, “I just got out of a relationship, and I'm not ready to date.” Even if this is true, it might give him false hope that you'll change your mind, and that's not fair to him.
    • Be straight forward, and polite. Say something like, “You seem like a nice guy, but I just don't like you that way. I appreciate that you thought to ask me.” This makes your stance clear but still seems slightly softer than a blatant no.
    • Keep it short. You don't need to give a long-winded rejection just to seem nice.
    Advertisement
  3. If you genuinely would like to be friends with a guy who asks you out, let him know. This will soften your rejection, and let him know that you value his company, even if you're not interested in him romantically.
    • If you don't actually want to be friends with him, don't say you want to be friends. Simply tell him you're not interested and that you hope he has a nice day, and walk away.
    • If you do tell him you want to be friends, make sure he knows that your feelings about the situation aren't going to change. You don't want to give him any false hope. Say something like, “Sorry, I'm not interested in you in a romantic way, but I know someone else will be. I like talking with you, and I'd love to be friends.”
  4. When you have to say no to someone in person, it does matter how you say it. This will affect how the man takes your answer. [2]
    • Don't come across as defensive. You have every right to choose who you date. Being defensive can make you sound more aggressive or disgusted than you mean to sound.
    • Speak with the tone of an apology. You want to sound open and apologetic, even while still being firm in your answer. Try to make eye contact with him at least once when you are speaking.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Saying No to Someone Through Text

PDF download Download Article
  1. [3] If someone that you're not interested in asks you out over a text message, email, or instant messaging, it can be tempting to put off responding to him.
    • Also, don't give him the silent treatment, and hope he gets the point. The polite way to handle the situation is to give him a response.
    • Even though you want to respond in a timely manner, within the day that he sends the message, take a little time to think about what you want to say and how you want to say it.
  2. [4] When you reject someone, using “I” statements can help keep the rejection about you, so the guy you're speaking with doesn't feel insulted or put down.
    • For example, instead of telling him, “Sorry, you aren't really my type,” say something more like, “I'm really sorry. I just don't see you in a romantic way.”
    • Or say: “I've really enjoyed getting to know you, but I don't see this developing into anything further for me.”
  3. [5] If you are too informal when you're telling the man who asked you out that you're not interested, you can come across as rude. Even if you normally text or type in a manner that is very casual, try to be a bit more formal in your rejection.
    • Use complete sentences and words. Instead of typing, “No thx. I'm just not really interested in u like that,” Say, “Thanks for asking, but I just don't see you that way.”
    • Add something polite after your rejection. This can help you end the conversation and also soften the blow. Write something like, “Sorry. Wish you the best, John!”
  4. Often, it is easier to lie over text than it is to lie in person. It can be tempting to come up with excuses to let yourself off the hook, but in the long run, it is always better to lead with the truth. [6]
    • Don't leave your answer open-ended. Make sure that he won't think you might be interested in the future. Make your answer final. Even if you do want to be friends, make sure you say, “I don't see myself having romantic feelings for you, but I'd love to be friends!” instead of “Do you mind if we just stay friends right now?”
    • Even though you want to be final and firm when you send your message, also try to find something positive to say. For example, say, “I appreciate that you asked me because I've enjoyed talking to you, but I just don't have romantic feelings for you.”
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Saying No to Someone After a First Date

PDF download Download Article
  1. [7] It is often more difficult to reject someone after a date than it is to reject someone you've never gone out with. Sometimes, however, it takes a date to figure out that you really aren't interested.
    • Say something like, “I'm sorry. I just didn't really feel a connection on our date. Hope you find someone great!”
    • If you aren't attracted to him but want to be friends say, “I had a lot of fun with you, but I didn't really feel a romantic connection. Would you like to be friends with me?” Asking him if he wants to be friends is straightforward and lets him know that even though you don't want to date, you still appreciate interactions with him.
  2. Once you know that you're not into a guy, you should let him know. The longer you wait to tell him you don't want to go out again, the more difficult it will become.
    • If you've only been out on a date or two, it's fine to tell him you're not interested in a text message. That way, you can craft a tactful message, and he doesn't have to feel embarrassed in person.
    • However, if you know you're not interested at the end of your first date, go ahead and let him know. Before you part ways, say something like, “Hey. Just so you know I don't think there's really anything here for me, but I'm glad we got the chance to go out.” This will save you from agonizing over when to tell him.
  3. Once you've told him that you're no longer interested, don't keep talking to him. Even if you both want to be friends, it can be good to have a little distance at first.
    • If he continually texts you or is rude to you after you've rejected him, it's okay to ignore the messages.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 1131 wikiHow readers, and 62% agreed that if a person reacts negatively to your rejection of them, it’s 100% okay to be firm in your decision and move on from the situation. [Take Poll]
    • And if they do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, reach out to your parents, a teacher, or the authorities right away. Your safety is the top priority!
    4. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    He has a girlfriend already and I really like him, but he is asking me out. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    You should tell him you're not comfortable with being asked out by someone who already has a girlfriend. You should also consider whether you'd really want to be with someone like this. It's very disrespectful to ask out other people while in a relationship with someone, and if he did it to someone else, he could do it to you. If he doesn't want to be with his girlfriend anymore, he should break up with her before he starts pursuing other people.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 127
  • Question
    My boss is asking me out, but I am not interested and I already have a boyfriend. How can I say no respectfully?
    Community Answer
    Just be polite and decline his offer. Tell him you're flattered, but you're in a relationship. Most guys will be understanding of this. If he continues to push the issue, tell HIS boss or someone in the human resources department that you're being harassed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 79
  • Question
    How do I reject someone that I really like because I'm not allowed to date?
    Community Answer
    Be honest with him. Let him know that you like him but you aren't allowed to date. Ask him if he'd like to be your friend for now.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 95
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Reader Videos

      Submit a Video Tip!

      Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

      Submit a Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get a Girl to Like You in Middle School: A Complete Guide
      How to
      Get a Girl to Stop Liking You
      How to
      Reject a Guy Who Wants Your Number
      How to
      Date Successfully As a Teenage Girl
      How to
      Get the Right Man
      Does She Like Me? 15+ Signs She’s Into You
      170+ Deep, Heartfelt & Passionate Love Messages to Send Your Guy
      How to
      Make Your Girlfriend Want to Have Sex With You
      How to
      Turn a Girl On
      45 Sweet Paragraphs That’ll Make Your Girlfriend Cry
      150+ Romantic & Funny Questions to Make Your Boyfriend Laugh
      How to
      Prepare for Your First Time for Guys
      28 Funny Jokes to Tell Your Girlfriend
      How to
      Find Out if a Guy Secretly Likes You
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/guy-approved-ways-to-turn-down
      2. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.nicknotas.com/blog/how-to-reject-men-safely-and-respectfully/
      4. ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-down-a-date-gracefully-1708236305
      5. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-holmes/text-etiquette-guide_b_2474980.html
      6. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.
      7. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      It can be awkward to say no to a man who asks you out, but you can do so politely by being direct with him. While it may be tempting to make excuses like, “I’m not ready to date right now” or “I’m seeing someone else,” this may just encourage him to continue pursuing you. Instead, say something straight-forward like, “You seem like a nice guy, but I just don’t like you that way. I appreciate that you thought to ask me.” That way, he gets the message loud and clear. If he asks you out over text, respond right away, since you may make the situation worse by not saying anything. To learn how to say no to someone after a first date, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 469,455 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 23, 2017

        "It was a guy I met once at party 8 months ago. We hooked up there, but it was NOT good or enjoyable. Mostly I felt ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement