What is the right way to respond to a date request? In many cases, some people feel insecure when it comes to refusing or accepting a date, and if you are one of them, try reading this article to find tips for accepting or declining a date in a firm, straightforward, polite, and conscientious manner. As a result, you can do the rejection or acceptance process with confidence!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Accepting a Date Request
Step 1. Show your willingness clearly and straightforwardly
If you don't mind going out with him, make sure you answer a clear "yes" instead of giving an ambiguous reaction. If the plans he offers clash with your schedule, but you still want to date him, don't hesitate to offer a specific alternate time. If you simply reply, “I was busy, that day,” he will most likely interpret it as a rejection. Therefore, do not forget to provide additional information regarding your availability to him.
- Accept the date and ask for any information you need, such as saying, “Yes, please! Would it be nice if we met there, did you pick me up, or did I pick you up?”
- Show your approval and enthusiasm, such as by saying, “Wow, I want to see that movie too! Everyone said the film was cool, anyway."
- If you're suddenly unable to attend, show that you're still interested in changing your date by saying, “Ugh, I'm so sorry, I already had plans that night. But on Saturday I'm free, anyway. Want to change to Saturday instead?”
Step 2. Use friendly body language to show your interest
Maintain eye contact, smile, and display open body language. Laughter and light touch are actually very effective in showing your interest in him. For the same reason, don't take your eyes off her, frown all the time, or cross your arms over your chest, especially since they all show that you don't really intend to date her.
Step 3. Commit when the day comes
Try your best not to cancel your date, even to show up on time. No one likes to wait alone in a restaurant. In addition, making him wait too long also risks making him lazy to ask you out for a second time. If you are unable to attend, don't forget to contact him immediately, apologize, and offer a specific time to replace the plan.
Method 2 of 2: Politely Rejecting Date Requests
Step 1. Strictly decline the date
Don't be afraid to say "no." If you don't have any mutual interests, don't give him false hopes! So don't say, "Sorry, I already have plans for tonight," which could easily be misunderstood as, "Please ask me out again sometime, okay?" In order not to give false hope that is a waste of time, make sure you give a firm and direct rejection.
- Instead of making up excuses, simply say, "Thank you very much, but I only see you as a friend."
- Instead of admitting you're not sure, try saying, "I respect you and don't want to give you false hope. Sorry, for now, I'm not interested in a romantic relationship with anyone."
Step 2. Work on empathy
While your refusal should sound firm and direct, do so as politely as possible. This means don't make fun of or laugh at the guy's date, and emphasize that his courage to ask you out is commendable. Trust me, no one likes to accept rejection or feel embarrassed about being rejected.
- Try to include compliments, such as saying, "You seem like a nice person, but I don't have a romantic interest in you."
- Show that you appreciate her courage by saying, "I'm sorry, I'm not interested in dating yet, but you are so brave, for wanting to ask!"
- Show that you're actually taking the date as a compliment, such as saying, "Your invitation really flatters me, but I'm sorry, I don't see you as more than a friend."
Step 3. Don't gossip about it to your mutual friends
No matter how tempting it may be to tell your friend or co-worker about her date, don't do it! In addition to risking hurting the feelings of the person you are rejecting, behaving that way will also show how bad your personality is.
Step 4. End the conversation well
Don't rush to end the conversation after rejecting it! Instead, try changing the topic of the conversation to reduce the embarrassment. In addition, doing so also shows your willingness to remain friends with him, even if the two of you are not involved in a romantic relationship.
