Best way to phrase a rejection?

[Reader Rabbit]

So an acquaintance/friend of mine asked me out last night, and it so shocked me that I got all flummoxed and said it was okay to call me. It's been years since I've had to do the "no thanks" thing to an unwanted date, so I'm out of practice—not that I was ever good at it. Unfortunately, this guy knows me well enough that lying is not a viable option. (He knows I'm not married, seeing anyone, or a lesbian.)

Whaddya think is the best response when he calls?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

1. You obviously value his friendship...

I'd go with your first choice. Just make sure he knows that you really do want to be a friend. :D

[Reader Rabbit]

5. That's the problem with the "friend" thing

Too often, people won't take you at your word and either become embarrassed/offended or take it as a "maybe" instead of a "no." And then you have this weird thing going on whenever you have to interact later.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

20. That is true...

Even if he does take you at your word, there might be some awkward moments the next few times you see each other. But ultimately, it's something that can be overcome.

[MrCoffee]

2. all of the above suck. try maniacal laughter then kick him in the crotch

kill all hope, and kill it fast.

[Bucky]

3. Snort whenever you laugh. That's guaranteed to drive guys away.

I don't know what it is, but several of my friends and I agree that chick who snorts when she laughs is too annoying to live with.

[Reader Rabbit]

7. He's a rugby player. He'd probably find that attractive.

*sigh*

:shrug:

[Bucky]

12. Okay, then go with plan B. Can you projectile vomit out your nose?

I recommend a mixture of Pepto-Bismal with Rice Crispies generously stirred in. No human male could withstand such an assault.

Oh wait, you said he's a rugby player. Hmmm, Plan C could take a little thinking now....

[redqueen]

17. Aw.

I snort when I laugh. :(

[Chovexani]

37. Me too

:(

[AllegroRondo]

4. Tell him you play for the other team

thats what I was always told.

[Reader Rabbit]

8. Unfortunately, he already knows I don't.

If I'd seen this coming, I'd have definitely played it more butch.

[PVnRT]

6. "Welcome to Dumpsville, population: you"

"I'm not gay/straight, but I'll learn"

[mikeytherat]

16. "I'm married to the sea." "I don't want to hurt you, but I will."

mikey_the_rat

[madeline_con]

29. Those are excellent.

:rofl:

[GirlinContempt]

9. I don't date with you.

[Richardo]

11. .

:D

[GirlinContempt]

13. SOMEONE had to

:D

[dropkickpa]

10. Sorry, not interested.

That or scream "FUCK OFF!!", but not a useful one if you want to remain friends.

[Inchworm]

14. I'm flattered that you'd ask, but I really would just like to be your friend.

I know that is hard for the other to accept, sometimes. If it becomes problematic I'd just say "dude, if you can't accept being friends then we may have to part ways."

I wish you the best.

:hug:

[redqueen]

18. That sounds good to me.

[Critters2]

15. It's not you. It's me. nt

[Iggo]

19. Which word did you NOT understand?

"Nuh"? Or "uh"?

[FreedRadical]

21. Just tell him the truth.

It's never fun but always the best. I know it's boring, but the truth saves so much bullshit. The rejected party already knows the truth about himself, or should. In any case, keep it real. It's not his fault you are a raven haired hottie.:*

See you this weekend.:toast:

[Reader Rabbit]

33. Heh.

It's not his fault you are a raven haired hottie.

I thank you, and Miss Clairol thanks you. :P

See ya at Max's!

:beer:

[WCGreen]

22. You forgot....

I'm gay...

[BlueIris]

23. I went with the straight-up "I'm not comfortable with this," but I think you could also say

the (slightly) less blunt sounding, "I don't think that would be a very good idea." Of course, then he might stupidly ask, "Why not?" But he'll probably get the idea.

[NNadir]

24. "I'm sorry, but I'm in love with your Mom." I have been on the receiving end of many great

rejections, I must say, including a great one that was "Well I'm gay." The woman in question was gay, but we dated for a while anyway because she had business reasons for doing so.

I would say that the best 5 or 10 of the rejections I've experienced all came from my wife - who had been a good friend for years before she was a lover - and though I suggested that we go further, she was very gracious about telling me to "go away."

I kind of like it that we were friends first, now that I think of it.

We are still best friends.

[Omphaloskepsis]

25. Loan him 20 bucks..

He will magically disappear.

[cabraverde]

26. You could tell him that you have an STD...that usualy makes guys

run away very very fast.

Another option would be to do the dirty with him and than when you are cuddling in bed tell him you love him and want to get married and have children......that is another sure fire way to get them to run away.

[Taverner]

27. Well, at this point you have two choices

Be his unrequited love, or date him, see how it is, and make a decision based on that.

Not the greatest options, but realistic ones...

[ThomCat]

28. I hope he's cool enough to take the rejection

without taking it personally.

It would be horrible to lose a good friendship over this.

[leftofthedial]

30. the thought of being with you makes me

giggle

wanna puke

wanna run away and hide

sad

dry up/shrink

[Heidi]

31. "I really like the way our friendship is now, and it would mean a lot to me

if we could agree to keep our friendship as it is." :)

[Arugula Latte]

32. Ask him if he'd like to come over and have a tea party with your

very best friends -- your extensive collection of dolls. Tell him if he's very lucky you'll invite your very special-est favorite-est dolly ever, Mr. Jiggles, the Clown Doll. :scared:

[Orsino]

34. "That's him, Officer!" n/t

[Viva_La_Revolution]

35. Other... Bring him to the MeetUp Saturday...

We'll run him off for you. :evilgrin:

[rug]

36. "Your dick's too small."

[XemaSab]

38. When he calls you

tell him you're not interested in dating him but you'll go dutch to dinner with him.

[Generic Brad]

39. I have a rejection that is blunt but effective

"Fuck you!"