Rejection is—unfortunately—a core and inevitable part of dating. So, asking someone out to go on a date with you can be incredibly stressful. In the back of your mind, you’re likely wondering, what if this doesn’t work out? And, let’s not be naive—things often really don’t work out as planned. However, there is a silver lining!
The person rejecting you wields a lot of power in their hands. How they turn you down and phrase things can have a massive impact on how you feel about the entire debacle in the end. Inspired by u/theonlinepartofme, the r/AskReddit community spilled the tea about the most respectful ways someone rejected them. Scroll down for their wholesome stories!
Bored Panda got in touch with the person behind the interesting thread, u/theonlinepartofme, and they were kind enough to share their thoughts on rejection, honesty, and how to handle these situations well. You'll find our interview with them below.
#21
She said she wasn't ready for a relationship but that I would be the first person she called if she was ready.
Honestly, when I asked her I don't think I was ready either. I just kind of blurted after we had a few drinks.
The feelings haven't changed, but it was just the wrong time to do so.
Honestly, when I asked her I don't think I was ready either. I just kind of blurted after we had a few drinks.
The feelings haven't changed, but it was just the wrong time to do so.
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#22
“You’re just not my type” is the best version of rejection.
It can’t be argued, but it also doesn’t communicate that the person is unattractive in general, just in a subjective manner.
It also doesn’t contain some kind of dishonest compliment.
It can’t be argued, but it also doesn’t communicate that the person is unattractive in general, just in a subjective manner.
It also doesn’t contain some kind of dishonest compliment.
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#23
I was dating a girl that lived 2 hours away. She waited for a weekend where she could drive down to me (We took turns driving up/down) to dump me in person, when she could have EASILY just saved the time, money and effort to do it over text. As much as that sucked, I respect her for that.
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#24
It was a simple "i have someone, but thank you for the compliment."
in just those few words she let me know that she didn't think i was a creep for asking, and she recognized that i asked because i liked something about her.
i still remember it, years later.
ETA i don't know if the boyfriend part was true, and it didn't matter. the thanks part, i liked that.
in just those few words she let me know that she didn't think i was a creep for asking, and she recognized that i asked because i liked something about her.
i still remember it, years later.
ETA i don't know if the boyfriend part was true, and it didn't matter. the thanks part, i liked that.
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#25
I had a beautiful girl in one of my lab classes in college (I'm almost 50 now but still remember!) and I finally worked up the nerve to ask her out. I was gentlemanly about it but probably also visibly at least a bit nervous. She looked me right in the eye and said something along the lines of "oh my gosh, that is so sweet of you. but I can't, I'm already with someone." Just a nice combination of being genuine and kind and (presumably?) honest, showing some appreciation for the compliment and not making it weird. She got a compliment and I walked away with my dignity and knowing I at least tried. Could be much worse.
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#26
It wasnt during the time he turned me down, but years later that guy contacted me again (when he was engaged already) and told me he used to have severe attachment issues and that he thought i was too nice of a girl to break my heart so he decided to drop me instead of playing unfair and he just wanted to apologise :)
That felt quite good to hear:).
That felt quite good to hear:).
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#27
They just said they weren’t ready for a relationship but valued my friendship.
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