If you are smart and up to age, you will keep getting requests and admirers even if you try to avoid dating.When you're not ready to date, you have to turn down requests until you feel ready.Whatever the reason, this article aims to give you a step-by-step guide on how to reject a date, not feel pressured or guilty by it and not lose a friendship.You should never feel pressured to do anything that you aren't ready for.
Step 1: You should know why you don't like dating.
There has to be a main reason.If that person just isn't right for you or if you're just not ready, be honest with yourself and develop your own reasoning for not wanting to date.You won't feel like you have to give false reasons to avoid dating if you explain yourself.
Step 2: Don't be secretive with yourself.
At some point in time, you may meet a person and begin to develop feelings for them as you get to know each other.If you're ready to become emotionally intimate with another person, be honest with yourself about what you want.You can become friends with this person at a later point in time when you are ready for a relationship.The friendship you've shared so far will add meaning to your relationship.It's okay if you don't want it to blossom into an intimate relationship.Being honest with that person about your expectations for the relationship and your intentions is the best thing you can do, but remember to use your words correctly.The Golden Rule is used when deciding how to tell someone you're not interested.
Step 3: You should practice your answers.
"Why are you, or why do you choose to be single?" is an annoying question.Don't feel as though you have to answer in detail, but be prepared to respond in a way that you feel comfortable with.Something simple like "I don't need a relationship to be content" works well.A simple explanation can make a person feel like they have a fatal flaw.There is no reason to tear that person apart.
Step 4: You don't have to fill that gap of social interaction with a romantic interest if you keep yourself busy.
Invest more time in a current hobby or spend time with friends and family.You will learn that you can do things on your own.When you are ready to date and get into a relationship, you will have your own interests to keep you busy in your partner's absence, or you'll have a great passion to share with them.Remember that you are your own person.
Step 5: You may come into contact with a new group of potential mates while increasing participation in a hobby.
The downside is that you may feel compelled to connect romantically with these people, who will likely share more interests with you.There is no universal law that says you have to be in a relationship with someone you share interests with.If you see this hobby turning into a career path, then take this opportunity to make some great friends and do some serious networking.
Step 6: You should be firm about your boundaries.
You should never let someone make you feel guilty or pressured into a relationship if you are friendly and flirtatious.Clear the interested person about your intentions at that point so that they don't misinterpret your signals.If they persist and you're not interested, it's probably time to ask yourself if the friendship is worth the effort.If you find yourself in a situation where you've been asked on a date, and don't feel ready for a relationship, make it clear to the interested person that you do not want to be in one.If you want to be friends, turn them down politely.Instead of declining a date for the two of you, you could suggest inviting friends to join your activity together.It's not a date and you should make sure the person understands your intentions.
Step 7: If possible, stay friends.
Nothing should have changed in your relationship if they like you as a person.It's not your fault if they get upset with you.Leave them alone for a few days so that they can cool off.They won't let it affect your friendship if they care for you and understand you.Try not to fear away.It is possible to remain friends after turning someone down, but you should always be aware of the other person's feelings towards you.If they are uncomfortable with only remaining friends, don't make them feel guilty about maintaining their friendship.If you sense a person is interested in you, make sure you are clear that nothing more than friendship is possible.If you lead them on to stroke your own ego, it will definitely hurt your chances of remaining friends.Don't apologize for being friendly.It's important to be clear about your intentions using both verbal and body language, as some people may misinterpret friendly behavior as interest.Don't stay friends with people who persistently ask you if you're ready.If you remain friends with such people, you are going to end up committing yourself or hurting the other person.
Step 8: You should spend more time with your friends.
If dating isn't on your priority list, it's okay.Enjoy life and have fun.It's great to be single.
Step 9: Don't let others make you feel guilty about not being ready to date.
Being pressured to find a mate can be emotionally draining, as you know what you're ready for.Tell your family and friends about your decision to stay single so that they don't harass you.Those people may assume to know your reasoning, which can complicate things even more.
Step 10: If you need help, contact it.
If you had a traumatic experience that influenced your decision to stay single, you should not be blamed alone.You can reach out to trusted family and friends to help you work through what happened.Keeping a private journal can help you work through the experience and overcome it, but do not be fooled: unresolved traumatic experiences can linger over time and create new or worsening problems like anxiety, depression, andPTSD.You can live a more enjoyable and peaceful life if you research the best options for your recovery.
Step 11: Deal with expectations in a constructive manner.
There are three outcomes to an intimate relationship: marriage, long-term commitment, or a break up.Unless you are prepared for any of the above scenarios, don't date.Don't let society's expectations make you feel weird for wanting some time to date yourself.Don't let your freedom go to waste!
Step 12: Take it slow.
If you don't want to date someone who is in a relationship with you, keep them in the friend zone.They will understand if they are truly your friend.If you have been asked to date but you don't want to, tell them you'd rather be friends.Should they keep you in the friend-zone until you're ready or should they let you go?You were honest with them from the beginning.Don't forget that if they really like you, they will wait until you are ready to do so.It's their loss if they don't wait.