The following list has been compiled from actual online experiences, and many are direct quotes or suggestions. One woman told me, “I just tell people I’m not interested, but there are variations in degree like, ‘let’s be friends’ or ‘you are a freak’ or ‘you need mental help.’ It really depends on the situation!” Another woman exclaimed, “One time when I was honest, the guy came back at me ranting and said some pretty nasty things. That is when I decided it is probably better just not to write back.” Elizabeth offers this advice, “Remember, Mr. Delete Key is often a girl’s best friend, along with his relatives, Mr. Block Sender and Mr. Filter!” Of course, there is no right or wrong way to get out of an online liaison, just ways that are in alignment with you, your ethics, and your goals. Use the list below to get your creative juices flowing:
- Don’t respond.
- Become scarce until they lose interest.
- Sound uninterested and then ignore them.
- Say you are disinterested clearly, diplomatically, and as soon as possible.
- Point out something specific in their profile that doesn’t work for you: “I don’t date people who have kids,” or are divorced, or are long-distance, etc.
