7 Things to Say and do when the Feelings Not Mutual ...

7 Things to Say and do when the Feelings Not Mutual ...
By Lyndsie

He's Just Not that into You is more than just a star-studded movie and comedic book. It happens in real life all the time. Maybe a guy you really don't like asks you out, or maybe you go out with someone only to discover, after the first day, that it's just not going to work out. Either way, you typically want to deal with the situation as delicately as possible. You may want to try one or more of these 7 things to say and do when the feeling's just not mutual.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

Successfully subscribed!

Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.

1. Don't Answer

In some cases, this is admittedly harsh – but then again, in some situations, harshness is necessary to get your point across. If you've ever been hit on by an honest to goodness jerk who simply can't take a hint, you understand why this might be the right approach. If someone is texting you or sending you Facebook messages, trying to hook up or arrange a date, and he or she just won't stop, you do have the option of simply not answering – especially if you've tried to say “no” before and it's just not sinking in.

  • Ugh, that's tough, right? First of all, it's okay to feel bummed out. Give yourself a little time to process it. It's important to remember that feelings can't be forced. Focus on your own happiness and let yourself heal.

  • Be kind and honest. Let your friend know that you value their friendship and you don't want things to get awkward. It's never pleasant, but being upfront is usually best in the long run.

  • Be gracious and try to keep your cool. It's not easy, I know, but thank them for being honest. Remember to stay true to yourself and, if possible, suggest staying friends if that's something you genuinely want.

  • It's one of those mysterious things about life! Everyone has different experiences and what they're attracted to. Sometimes, the timing's just off or people are in different places emotionally. It’s frustrating but there’s always hope with someone else!

  • In some rare cases, feelings can grow over time. But don't count on it or put pressure on them. It's better to move on and not hold onto expectations. Who knows? You might meet someone even more awesome who's totally into you!

2. Tell the Truth

This is typically the best option at your disposable. Yeah, with some people, it just won't work, but with most, a little honesty goes a long way. You don't have to be mean or rude about it, but you can still be truthful about your feelings. Just tell the guy or girl, that you really don't feel that way about him, that you don't want to go out on a date. It might hurt, but it's better than a lie.

***

When the feeling is not mutual, it's important to be honest. Honesty is the best policy and it's better to tell the truth than to lie. It may not be easy to say, but it's important to be kind and respectful when expressing your feelings. It's also important to remember that it's okay to feel uncomfortable and it's okay to say no. It's okay to take some time to think about it and talk it over with a friend or family member before making a decision. It's also important to remember that just because someone doesn't feel the same way about you, it doesn't mean that you are not worthy of love.

  • Ugh, that's tough, right? First of all, it's okay to feel bummed out. Give yourself a little time to process it. It's important to remember that feelings can't be forced. Focus on your own happiness and let yourself heal.

  • Be kind and honest. Let your friend know that you value their friendship and you don't want things to get awkward. It's never pleasant, but being upfront is usually best in the long run.

  • Be gracious and try to keep your cool. It's not easy, I know, but thank them for being honest. Remember to stay true to yourself and, if possible, suggest staying friends if that's something you genuinely want.

  • It's one of those mysterious things about life! Everyone has different experiences and what they're attracted to. Sometimes, the timing's just off or people are in different places emotionally. It’s frustrating but there’s always hope with someone else!

  • In some rare cases, feelings can grow over time. But don't count on it or put pressure on them. It's better to move on and not hold onto expectations. Who knows? You might meet someone even more awesome who's totally into you!

3. Let's Just Be Friends

In line with telling the truth – kind of – you can always tell the person who likes you that you just want to be friends. This is maybe the worst ever thing to hear, but the thing is, if you actually do want to be friends with the person who likes you, that could actually lead to a relationship later. You never know. Anyway, if you do really like the person, just not like that, then this may be the best option. Just try not to sound patronizing.

  • Ugh, that's tough, right? First of all, it's okay to feel bummed out. Give yourself a little time to process it. It's important to remember that feelings can't be forced. Focus on your own happiness and let yourself heal.

  • Be kind and honest. Let your friend know that you value their friendship and you don't want things to get awkward. It's never pleasant, but being upfront is usually best in the long run.

  • Be gracious and try to keep your cool. It's not easy, I know, but thank them for being honest. Remember to stay true to yourself and, if possible, suggest staying friends if that's something you genuinely want.

  • It's one of those mysterious things about life! Everyone has different experiences and what they're attracted to. Sometimes, the timing's just off or people are in different places emotionally. It’s frustrating but there’s always hope with someone else!

  • In some rare cases, feelings can grow over time. But don't count on it or put pressure on them. It's better to move on and not hold onto expectations. Who knows? You might meet someone even more awesome who's totally into you!

4. Explain Your Reasoning

Some people just don't want to let it go. They want to know exactly why you won't see them, or why you won't agree to a second date. In that case, let it fly. Again, you don't have to be mean and you don't have to criticize them, but you can tell the truth about the issues involve. Maybe he's not your type, maybe you and she just don't have chemistry, and so on.

  • Ugh, that's tough, right? First of all, it's okay to feel bummed out. Give yourself a little time to process it. It's important to remember that feelings can't be forced. Focus on your own happiness and let yourself heal.

  • Be kind and honest. Let your friend know that you value their friendship and you don't want things to get awkward. It's never pleasant, but being upfront is usually best in the long run.

  • Be gracious and try to keep your cool. It's not easy, I know, but thank them for being honest. Remember to stay true to yourself and, if possible, suggest staying friends if that's something you genuinely want.

  • It's one of those mysterious things about life! Everyone has different experiences and what they're attracted to. Sometimes, the timing's just off or people are in different places emotionally. It’s frustrating but there’s always hope with someone else!

  • In some rare cases, feelings can grow over time. But don't count on it or put pressure on them. It's better to move on and not hold onto expectations. Who knows? You might meet someone even more awesome who's totally into you!

If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.

5. The Little White Lie

Sad to say, sometimes a little fib works best. You might say you're really busy, or you don't have time to be in a relationship. You may say you're not ready to be in a relationship, or that you have commitment issues. You can also allude to the fact that you're seeing someone else.

  • Ugh, that's tough, right? First of all, it's okay to feel bummed out. Give yourself a little time to process it. It's important to remember that feelings can't be forced. Focus on your own happiness and let yourself heal.

  • Be kind and honest. Let your friend know that you value their friendship and you don't want things to get awkward. It's never pleasant, but being upfront is usually best in the long run.

  • Be gracious and try to keep your cool. It's not easy, I know, but thank them for being honest. Remember to stay true to yourself and, if possible, suggest staying friends if that's something you genuinely want.

  • It's one of those mysterious things about life! Everyone has different experiences and what they're attracted to. Sometimes, the timing's just off or people are in different places emotionally. It’s frustrating but there’s always hope with someone else!

  • In some rare cases, feelings can grow over time. But don't count on it or put pressure on them. It's better to move on and not hold onto expectations. Who knows? You might meet someone even more awesome who's totally into you!

Gallery Spotlight

Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.

6. It's Not You, It's Me

This is another dreaded line, but it's common in rejection – maybe because it usually works. Who can respond to something like that, honestly? Again, some people might take the time to ask why it's you and not them, but for the most part, this is one of those mind-blowers that leave you dazed and confused, but full of understanding that the person you just asked out does not want to date you.

  • Ugh, that's tough, right? First of all, it's okay to feel bummed out. Give yourself a little time to process it. It's important to remember that feelings can't be forced. Focus on your own happiness and let yourself heal.

  • Be kind and honest. Let your friend know that you value their friendship and you don't want things to get awkward. It's never pleasant, but being upfront is usually best in the long run.

  • Be gracious and try to keep your cool. It's not easy, I know, but thank them for being honest. Remember to stay true to yourself and, if possible, suggest staying friends if that's something you genuinely want.

  • It's one of those mysterious things about life! Everyone has different experiences and what they're attracted to. Sometimes, the timing's just off or people are in different places emotionally. It’s frustrating but there’s always hope with someone else!

  • In some rare cases, feelings can grow over time. But don't count on it or put pressure on them. It's better to move on and not hold onto expectations. Who knows? You might meet someone even more awesome who's totally into you!

7. Be Polite

No matter what method you use, you can and should always be polite. You can't always necessarily be super nice, but you can have manners. You can thank the person, for example, and make sure to let him or her down easy. You don't need to crush the ego of the person who just got up the courage to ask you out – that's hard!

There are many ways to let someone know you don't feel the same way. This is a difficult scenario, but it's far worse to give the person false hope. How do you let people down when you don't like them?

Top image source: i101.photobucket.com

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

Successfully subscribed!

Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Nope. Never, ever, ever, say "let's just be friends". It's dishonest, doesn't explain anything, and does not let anyone down easy. See it's much better to actually tell someone why you don't like them. Yes, it will hurt more initially, but they'll bounce back faster if they actually know what the problem is.

What if the person who likes you is someone you see every day and you won't be able to avoid them? Is there anything that can be done about that?

Telling the truth is the only applicable advice on this list. The rest are ways to beat around the bush and frankly embarrass yourself or the other person. The cliche lines of "Lets just be friends" and "Its not you its me" are simply ways to not tell the truth. Being honest when rejecting someone is the always the best since it will save them from the excruciating period where they are thinking "where did I go wrong". You can simply tell them where you don't mesh or where "they went wrong".

Once the spark is gone, it is not wise to continue an unhealthy relationship. Breaking up is always (not usually) a hard thing to do. It is harder for the one who is breaking up and painful for the one that will be dumped. Be truthful, fair is fair.

I really like this guy, or at least i think i do. One day my friend told me as we just headed to class that "One day me and him will go out" so i get self conscious and just smile not telling her i like him. Later on the week before the band leaves for their trip i hear her teasing him by sayin yeah Blake is so unmanly and what nots, And then her and her guy friend start talking about the guy she likes without giving names saying he's not a relationship type. the first day they left i texted both of them during class and i figured out that they're sitting next each other coloring a color book. but he never replies back to me only her So here i am no waiting for them to return back home cause she is also apart of band Am i reading to much into this?

A guy i really dont like is head over heels in love with me but im in love with a friend of mine. the other day the guy i like was was pointing out all of the other guy's flaws. the one i like told me that he had a girlfriend and i dont have a boyfriend, also he kept making fun of how small my hand was compared to his. so does this mean he likes me? or is just a good friend?

Google Preferred Source Banner Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

EST 2005

Evolve. Empower. Elevate.

Creators on the platform
3,000+
Total social reach
12M+
Features published
100K+
New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

how to be a maid who are leolulu recover from embarrassment how to show respect to others what to say to a rude coworker ways to communicate with friends how to fix social awkwardness solve the misunderstanding what to do in awkward silence ive forgiven you