7 Ways To Turn Down A Second Date Minus The Awkwardness

All first dates are not created equal. Some end in a kiss goodnight and a plan for a second date. Others end in annoyance, awkwardness and the fear of hurting someone’s feelings. And sometimes, figuring out how to turn down a second date politely is not easy. You want to make yourself clear but also don’t want to be rude. Getting that thin balance right? Difficult… and awkward!

Unfortunately not knowing how to turn down a second date is what prevents people from doing it and instead leads to ghosting. People are so afraid of being awkward or hurting someone’s feelings in a straightforward way that they simply disappear and hope the person gets it.

Not only is ghosting rude, disrespectful, and cowardly, but there is no need for it if you know how to turn down a second date politely.

# Don’t leave it open-ended

It can be easier for you to leave things up in the air rather than being completely clear with your intentions of not sharing a second date. But in the long run, it will only make things harder. Not only will the other person not know what to think, but you may have to drag out the rejection for longer.

Saying something like “I’ll text you,” or “maybe,” only lengthens the awkwardness.

# Act like you have mutual friends, even if you don’t

A lot of first dates nowadays are started through dating apps. That means there isn’t any accountability when you are seeing someone. You don’t share an office or friends so it seems easier to lie or ghost.

If you were dating someone you shared a mutual friend with, you would have to answer for why you didn’t want a second date. Even if you don’t have that level of actual accountability with this person, pretend as if you do. It will keep you honest and respectful in a situation when you could get away with slacking off.

# Tell them in person

Most people request a second date while ending the first date. Instead of waiting for them to reach out about more confirmed plans, just tell them in person. Again, I know it feels hard to do but it will be over before you know it.

And the more upfront you are, the easier it will be in the future when you want to turn down a second date or have any sort of awkward conversation. If they don’t ask you for a second date in person, still turn them down as clearly as possible.

# Stand your ground

Depending on the person you are turning down a second date with, it can get messy. Most people will accept your rejection with class and dignity and walk away. Some people will be hurt or offended and try to change your mind or get defensive saying they weren’t really interested anyway.

Try to let that go. Once you are honest with your intentions, it is really no longer your responsibility to handle how this person reacts. If you let them know you couldn’t date someone that travels so much or that smokes, they may try to sway you. In this case, you can say, “I appreciate that but it is still a no. Good luck with everything.”

# Don’t lie

Lying about why you don’t want a second date will not only seem pretty obvious, but it could also get back to them. Don’t follow a line like it’s not you, it’s me. Don’t pull a Chandler from Friends and tell them you’re leaving the country.

Just suck it up and let them know you weren’t feeling it. If they have a follow-up question, answer as politely as you can and part ways. Lying will always make it worse for your conscience and their feelings.

# Offer them a compliment

Warm up to your decline with a compliment. Let them know they’re great, but… Or say you had a nice evening but just don’t want to continue seeing each other. A compliment can soften the blow and let them walk away with their head held high.

# Don’t lead them on with friendship

If you don’t want to be friends, don’t tell them you do. We often try to decline a second date by saying something like we’re not interested but would like to be friends or stay in touch. If you have no intention of that, don’t offer it.

Many people will take this to heart and expect to see you platonically or still want to talk regularly. Unless you actually plan on doing that, forego the nicety.