27 Times People Were Turned Down So Respectfully, They Didn’t Mind It

Went on a few dates with her after moving to a new country.  She said something along the lines of “I think you’re nice and you’ll do well with the girls here, but I’m just not feeling it.”

We still bump into each other and have a chat and it’s not awkward at all, which I put down to her honesty and maturity.

"You seem to want a boyfriend, I'm a workaholic and can't see that in my life right now." It hurt but I appreciated the honesty.

I once heard, "I have a lot of respect for you, but I don’t see us being a match", it was honest without being harsh.

The best was a polite "I think we’re on different wavelengths, but I appreciate the chat".

“Wow, I can’t believe someone as great as you would want to date me. Unfortunately, I’m not ready to date at this time, but I’ll let you know if things change.”

I walked away feeling really good after that.

She knew I have an affinity for Ancient Greek and composed her rejection in Attic prose. Stung, but how can I not respect that?

I felt hopeful for our relationship when they stated, "I appreciate your interest, but I just don't see a future for us together. Can we still be friends?" It was a mature and courteous statement.

“If I were straight I’d say yes”.

The nicest rejection to the first time I ever initiated interest, was quite an impactful life lesson for me.
A guy who was more of a friendly stranger/acquaintance than anything, I asked him out. He did look really surprised, when I did and took his time to respond. He said he was very flattered but he couldn't as he had just started seeing someone (which was true and I believe they are still together many years on).
But he never stopped being friendly and kind in front of his friends when he saw me.
It was impactful because, I put myself out there, it wasn't the social catastrophe I always imagined in my head by taking that risk and it validated my trust in my own judgement in being able to "pick" a kind person. Definitely put me in a better headspace for when I eventually met my now husband.

(in high school) She told me that she thought I was nice, but her friend liked me and she'd feel bad if we went out, so I should ask her out instead.

I ended up going out with the friend for over a year.

“I really appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to waste your time if I’m not feeling the same way.” Honest, clear, and no awkwardness.

He gave me a blue flower on valentine’s day… blue flowers signify friendship. poetic, yes.

He said he wasn't interested and that he looked at me as more of a sister he never had than a girlfriend, which I understood and respected. We're still very good friends to this day.

I was hired for a brand new hardware store and there was a hot construction worker during the fitout. I mustered up the courage to ask for his number just before the store opened. He said he was flattered but married. We chatted briefly and that was that. He was a nice guy.

I was at a bar doing some day drinking in my late 20s. I was there with a large group of people, as one will do in Fells Point, Baltimore. I approached 3 ladies at a bar table, said a few words and got them to laugh. One girl simply says, “We’re sorry, we all have boyfriends.”
I replied with something like, “Oh, that’s cool. Well, you all enjoy our day. It was lovely talking to you.” I said it genuinely and with a smile.
The girls giggled between them then one piped up, “We think you’re cute though.”
I laugh, said thank you, and walked away.

He said, 'you're an amazing person, but I just don’t feel that spark.' Honestly, it hurt, but I appreciated the honesty more than anything.

They gave me a cookie and said, 'I'm not interested, but I appreciate the offer.' That cookie was my closure, and I will forever cherish it.

'You're nice but just not my type' that was understandable and ok for me. And wayyy nicer than just being ghosted.

Asked if she wanted to see me again and she sent me a Simon Cowell gif, "it's a no from me."

It was hilarious.

After 2 months of dating, I'd been falling for her hard and she knew it, so she sat me down and told me that she didn't have feelings for me yet, and that she was going to start seeing other guys (we weren't exclusive yet). She was willing to keep dating because she really liked spending time with me and knew I'd be a good boyfriend for her, but I suspected it'd just be worsening the inevitable pain so I ended it. After we split she texted me that she thought I was a wonderful person and that I hoped I found someone.

It didn't stop me from being a little heartbroken, but I did feel valued and felt that like she'd really wanted it to work out.