How to Tell Someone No After They've Asked You Out

Think before you speak., Weigh the pros and cons., If you find that there are more cons than pros to dating this person, you should most likely tell them "no"., After you've decided to decline their offer, find the asker the next day, and ask to...

12 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Think before you speak.

    After the person asks you, ask them if you can have some time to think.

    A polite way to say it is, "I'm not sure.

    I'm going to sleep on it, okay?" or "I don't know.

    Can I get back to you tomorrow?".

    Whether this is the guy/girl of your dreams or someone you would never want to go out with, you still need time to consider the decision and your response carefully.
  2. Step 2: Weigh the pros and cons.

    List the positive and negative points of dating this person. , This is where things get difficult. , The private spot can be a deserted hallway or empty classroom if you're a teen in school, or an empty break room if you're at work. , Explain that you're not interested, and that you didn't try to hurt them. ,, Tell them that it was brave of them to ask you.

    This will probably give them an ego boost, and make them feel a little better. ,, That's very typical.

    But don't go out of your way to avoid them.The more you wait, the more awkward it will be.

    If you run into each other, just say hi and make polite small talk.

    With time, it will get easier.
  3. Step 3: If you find that there are more cons than pros to dating this person

  4. Step 4: you should most likely tell them "no".

  5. Step 5: After you've decided to decline their offer

  6. Step 6: find the asker the next day

  7. Step 7: and ask to talk to them privately.

  8. Step 8: Tell them you've made your decision.

  9. Step 9: Explain why you can't go out with them without getting into detail

  10. Step 10: Add that you're impressed with them asking you.

  11. Step 11: If the person starts crying say sorry and then politely excuse yourself.They need their space.

  12. Step 12: It might be a little awkward for you and the asker to see each other.

Detailed Guide

After the person asks you, ask them if you can have some time to think.

A polite way to say it is, "I'm not sure.

I'm going to sleep on it, okay?" or "I don't know.

Can I get back to you tomorrow?".

Whether this is the guy/girl of your dreams or someone you would never want to go out with, you still need time to consider the decision and your response carefully.

List the positive and negative points of dating this person. , This is where things get difficult. , The private spot can be a deserted hallway or empty classroom if you're a teen in school, or an empty break room if you're at work. , Explain that you're not interested, and that you didn't try to hurt them. ,, Tell them that it was brave of them to ask you.

This will probably give them an ego boost, and make them feel a little better. ,, That's very typical.

But don't go out of your way to avoid them.The more you wait, the more awkward it will be.

If you run into each other, just say hi and make polite small talk.

With time, it will get easier.

About the Author

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Samuel Ruiz

Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in DIY projects and beyond.

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