How Not to Lead Someone On

Have you ever met someone of the opposite sex and considered them just to be an acquaintance but found out that they had deeper feelings for you? You know for a fact that you do not send out any mixed messages and so cannot figure out why the person is attracted to you. There may be certain actions that you make that may cause your acquaintance to think that you are leading him/her on. If you want to keep your acquaintances at bay you need be aware of these actions so that you do not make them. Below are some simple ways on how not to lead someone on.

1. Do not give the acquaintance any personal information about your life such as your home address, who your friends are, your work address, and who your family members are etc.. If this person is just an acquaintance and you are not interested in pursing an actual friendship with them, there is no need for them to know much about your personal life. When you share with someone details about your personal life you are actually opening up the doors of your private life to them. You are saying to them that you trust them and want to build some type of relationship with them. If you do give the acquaintance information about your personal life they might start analyzing your life and will try to find a way for them to fit into it.

2. Do not call the acquaintance when you have been hurt by your significant other. If you call this person after you've had a fight with your partner this will signal to them that you need and want to be comforted by them. This puts you in a very vulnerable position. Your acquaintance will see that you are seeking comfort and will extend their affection toward you. He/she will begin to conjure up warm feelings towards you.

3. Do not flirt. It is easy to flirt without realizing it. You can flirt with a simple touch, smile, a stare or a few kind words. When talking with your acquaintance it is important to think about what you say before you say it. Make sure that what you are saying can not be taken out of context. Be sure to avoid touching the person's shoulders, hands, and waist. Avoid placing your head on the person's shoulder and refrain from wiping away their tears. If they happen to cry offer them a tissue do not wipe the tears away for them. When you kindly touch a person your body language suggests that you are interested in them.

4. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing. Even if you normally wear revealing clothing you might want to cover up a bit when you are in the company of someone you want to keep at bay. The other person might think that you are trying to dress a certain way to entice them and you will make them want to pursue you even more.

5. Avoid saying things like, "You look hot," "Your hair looks cute" and "You are beautiful" or "You smell good." Phrases like these will make your acquaintance think that you are flirting and that you might be open to advancing the friendship.

6. Greet your acquaintance with a simple hello or a smile. Do not hug or touch his/her arm, back, or side. Innocently touching someone can give them the wrong message. It signals to the person that you like them more than just an acquaintance.

7. Avoid asking your acquaintance about their personal life such as is he dating, or married etc -- Asking questions like these will make you seem interested in the person. The person will take it as you evaluating his life to see where you can fit in.

8. Avoid giving the person gifts of any kind. People often give one another gifts to show that they care and think that the other person is special. You do not want to give your acquaintance the wrong idea by giving him/her gifts.

9. Avoid lending your acquaintance your clothing when she is cold. If you are at a gathering together and you notice that your acquaintance feels a bit chilly do not feel tempted to go and place your jacket around her. Placing your jacket on shivering woman's shoulders is actually pretty romantic and should be avoided if you just want to remain acquaintances.