Let them know that you’re still meeting and dating other people. For many people, this is enough. Usually when there’s a lot of interest and chemistry, people agree to take themselves off the market to test out having an exclusive relationship after just a few good dates.
Admit you made a mistake, but you want to correct it. Sometimes it takes several dates to decide whether or not you want to keep seeing someone. If because of work or other family commitments, the dates are very spread out, it can take months! Fess up that you’re no longer interested and you’d like to say your goodbyes.
Don’t say you want to be friends. Generally speaking, people do not date on the internet because they’re looking for friends. It’s love, romance, sex, a physical relationship they’re after. Telling someone you hope you will be friends sounds nice but is unnecessary. In some cases it’s downright insulting. Don’t do it!
Some people just won’t take no for an answer, even if they’ve been shown the door. When you’re truly done with someone, don’t text them, don’t answer their texts, don’t behave in a way that indicates that you’re still interested. Also don’t waste your time second guessing what went wrong. There are plenty of fish in the sea of singles. To some degree, it’s just a numbers game. Keep dating.
Eve Marx is the author of eight sex books. Her titles include "What's Your Sexual IQ?," "Flirtspeak: The Sexy Language of Flirtation," "The Goddess Orgasm," and "101 Things You Didnt Know About Sex."
