To tell someone you don't want another date, be direct, kind, and brief, using "I" statements to focus on your feelings (e.g., "I didn't feel a romantic connection") rather than blaming them, and avoid vague phrases like "maybe another time" to prevent false hope, offering a simple "It was nice meeting you, but I'm not feeling it" or "I'm not looking to date right now".
'A touch of honesty is always the best policy'
Anderson suggests replying with something like this: "Hey [insert name], I really appreciated you taking the time to meet for a first date. I didn't feel the romantic connection I was looking for and I don't want to waste your time."
But it does provide some rough guidelines as to how soon may be too soon to make long-term commitments and how long may be too long to stick with a relationship. Each of the three numbers—three, six, and nine—stands for the month that a different common stage of a relationship tends to end.
“I've enjoyed our time together, but I've realized that spark is missing.” This phrase is useful for situations where you've spoken with your match for a while or met up several times, but want to cancel the next date.
The 777 dating rule is a relationship strategy for intentional connection, suggesting couples schedule a date every 7 days, an overnight getaway every 7 weeks, and a longer vacation every 7 months to keep the spark alive, build memories, and prevent disconnection from daily life. It's about consistent, quality time, not necessarily grand gestures, and focuses on undivided attention to strengthen intimacy and partnership over time.
“The idea is that you go on a date every 2 weeks, spend a weekend away together every 2 months, and take a week vacation together every 2 years.”
Take them in the spirit in which they are offered—as a a lens to think about your own relationship. This blog is part of a series on the five Cs: Chemistry, Commonality, Constructive Conflict, Courtesy and Commitment.
Not all first dates lead to second dates. Even if you go out with a good-looking person with a great personality, sometimes, there just isn't a spark. That's when you start looking for how to turn down a second date.
Instead, they use soft rejections — polite, indirect ways to let you down without actually saying the words, “I don't see a future with you.” These phrases keep you around just enough to avoid confrontation while keeping their options open.
“I have enjoyed our fun dates together (Insert name), but I'm afraid I'm just not feeling the romantic connection I was hoping for, and I would like to tell you I'm no longer interested in continuing to date.” Sometimes, after hearing the above, they might offer to stay friends.
📖 According to relationship psychologists, just 10 minutes of fully present, uninterrupted conversation a day can significantly improve emotional intimacy between partners, friends — even colleagues. It's called the 10-Minute Talk Rule.
survived the dreaded two-year mark (i.e. the most common time period when couples break up), then you're destined to be together forever… right? Unfortunately, the two-year mark isn't the only relationship test to pass, nor do you get to relax before the seven-year itch.
February may be the month of love, but it takes more than chocolates, flowers and dinner dates to make a relationship work. A strong and healthy relationship is built on the three C's: Communication, Compromise and Commitment.
Don't overthink it — you're allowed to process a date after the fact and change your mind about seeing the person. “Thank you again for such a good time. Upon further thought I don't think we are a long term fit and don't wish to pursue this any further. I wish you well.”
Tips and ideas for rejecting with kindness
Here are some examples of what you can send if you are rejecting someone via text: I enjoyed meeting you and had a fun date. Unfortunately, I don't feel the chemistry to take things further. I wish you all the best and happiness in the future.
The study, which was carried out among 2,000 adults, found a dwindling sex life, sleeping in different rooms and no longer holding hands are among the common signs the magic has gone.
The five stages – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance – are often talked about as if they happen in order, moving from one stage to the other.
: an act of completely ignoring a person or thing by resort to silence especially as a means of expressing contempt or disapproval.
Example 1: "I really enjoyed getting to know you, but I don't feel a romantic connection, so I'm not looking for a second date. I wish you all the best". Example 2: "Thanks so much for the invite, but I'm not feeling the chemistry I need to continue. I wish you all the best out there".
The 5-5-5 rule for couples is a conflict resolution tool where each partner gets 5 minutes to speak uninterrupted about their perspective, followed by 5 minutes of joint problem-solving, creating a structured 15-minute conversation to foster understanding, empathy, and calmer resolution by preventing escalation and promoting active listening, say NBC News, this Facebook post, and this Instagram reel. It helps slow down arguments, allowing for thoughtful communication instead of defensiveness, and builds stronger bonds by showing mutual respect for feelings and opinions.
If you discovered any dealbreakers in the person, then the 2nd date should be your last date. Other red flags include inconsistent communication, excessive talk about exes, or feeling pressured into something you're not comfortable with. A third date should feel like an exciting next step, not an obligation.
Type C personalities "often seem quiet, focused, introverted and thoughtful." They also often have trouble opening up emotionally and expressing their needs. They would rather let others have their way in order to maintain group harmony.
10 Signs of a Healthy Relationship