How to Turn Down a Date… Nicely

A guy asks you out, and you’re totally not into him. What’s your next move? Turn him down by “speaking the truth with love” (Ephesians 4:15). Let him down easy but be up front. Don’t rack your brain to come up with the perfect excuse—“I would go out with you, but, um . . . I’m devoting my Friday nights to math homework.” Nice try. That just motivates an eager dude to develop a sudden interest in algebra. Excuses lead to drama, which you’re trying to avoid in the first place.

If you want to be creative (and the guy has a sense of humor), you could respond with an e-mail saying, “I appreciate the invitation, but click here.”

If you know you don’t want more than friendship—or feel dating isn’t for you—you never have to go out with anyone just because he asks. Be clear, kind, and casual. “No, thanks.” Enough said (see Matthew 5:37). It may be tough for a guy to hear a straight-up rejection, but that cut heals much faster than weeks of trying to read mixed messages.

Excerpted from the Revolve 2009 BibleZine. © 2008 Thomas Nelson. Used with permission. All rights reserved.