How to Say No to a Date

It can be very hard to say no when someone asks you on a date. If you are in a relationship, it is much easier, because you can offer that as an excuse. But what do you say if there is no excuse? What if you simply aren't interested? There are plenty of ways to decline a date invitation, but you should be careful which you choose. If you are rude, the person may feel hurt or embarrassed, which is no way to treat someone.

If a coworker asks you out, and you are not interested, you want to turn the person down gently. It is possible that someday you will have to work closely with this person, if you don't already. Also, the person could be your boss in the future or you could be their superior. It is best to keep things amiable for the sake of professionalism. The best way to turn down a coworker is to politely thank them for asking, decline the invitation, and explain that you are not comfortable dating someone you work with. If they persist, repeat what you have said previously. If they continue, it may be harassment, or they may need you to be clearer. Use your own judgment here. It is alright to lie a bit and say that you have recently become involved with someone, or to tactfully say that you are not interested.

If a friend or friend of a friend asks you out, you do not have the option of lying. You could say that you are not interested in dating at this time, but the person could take that as an invitation to ask you at a later time. You could also thank them for the invitation, decline it, and explain that you do not date friends or acquaintances. Most people will get the message.

If a stranger asks you out, it is still important to be polite. It is not rude to simply decline, adding a "thank you" to what you say. If you are kind but firm, the person is likely to leave you alone. However, if they persist, they may need a blunter response.

No matter how you decide to say no to a date, you should always do it with tact and poise. It is unattractive to be rude and brash, and also unnecessary. There is no reason to hurt another person's feelings unless they will simply not leave you alone. Your first step, though, should always be to politely decline. After all, if you were asking someone out, you would want that very same treatment.