How To Let Them Down Easy
Let’s just say it. People can be pretty pushy when they are interested in you and it is NOT cute. Maybe they will ask for your number, maybe they won’t stop asking. Maybe you gave a person your number and now they won’t stop calling. Or maybe its a little more difficult. Like having to end a long term relationship. No matter what the circumstances may be, you want to know how to let them down easy. Well this is how.
1. Be honest
Honesty is always the best policy. No bullshit. Only the truth. That is one sure fire way to get the message across. Now let me clarify something. This does NOT mean to be rude or hurtful. There is no need to tear someone down. No one deserves that. But, just kindly explaining why it just is not working for you. Normally people will be understanding and appreciate the honesty. That way you aren’t burning any bridges. Who knows what could happen in the future! If they’re not understanding though, do whatever is necessary so that you feel safe and comfortable. Tell a bouncer they are being creepy or block their number. Just get the heck out of the situation if you no longer want to be there.
2. A white lie
This one is not for people ending relationships (hopefully). If being honest makes you uncomfortable there is another solution for you. Depending on who you’re dealing with or the certain situation you have found yourself in, you might not have another choice. Especially if they really aren’t taking no for an answer. Just simply saying you have a boyfriend/girlfriend or your S/O will be right back will usually do the trick. A white lie is just a small innocent lie. They shouldn’t have to happen, but we all know we tell them. Sometimes it seems like there isn’t another way! Just making up a small lie that will save their ego and get you out of their mind.
3. Take responsibility
Ah the age old line: “it’s not you. It’s me”. But, in more or less words, this really is what you’re supposed to say. This can be used in any situation from breaking off a long and / or serious relationship to something as simple as someone not leaving you alone at the bar. They cannot control your thoughts, feelings and actions. They can only do their best to persuade you in a certain direction. If you are just not feeling it, blame it on yourself. Cause the truth is, it is you! You’re the one not feeling it! Saying words such as I feel can come off a lot kinder than a lot of the other things you could say to let them down.
4. Be clear and general
You do not owe ANYONE an explanation for the way you want to live your life and the people you wish to include in that life. So make sure to keep the part where you tell them why you want to let them down brief. It is necessary if you are moving on from a relationship that you do explain your feelings and why the have changed. Otherwise you could leave the person feeling damaged and more hurt without any closure. However, you do not have to get into specific detail as some words could even hurt them more. Even if you do not mean them too. The same goes for your tinder date and the person who is constantly calling and messaging you. Explain that you no longer feel the same way and they need to stop contacting you. There are ways to say everything in a stern and clear, yet polite way. Finding that sweet spot is really going to help you let them down easy without a doubt.
