3 Ways to Tell Someone You Don't Like Them - wikiHow (2024)

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Co-authored byCher Gopman

Last Updated: February 26, 2024Fact Checked

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   Be direct. One way to turn someone down is to give them a simple, direct answer to a request for a date or your number. The direct approach can be good because you don't leave them hanging and because you don't leave room for ambivalence, so they can move on to someone else.^[1]

   • For example, you could use the line, "I appreciate you asking me, but no thank you."
   • You could also say, "No, I'm not looking to date right now."
   • Be sure to make "no" part of your answer so you are very clear.^[2]
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   Go for an indirect answer. If you don't want to flat-out reject someone, you can answer in a roundabout way. One way you can make it more roundabout is to start out with a compliment about the person but still end with a rejection.^[3]

   • For instance, you could note, "You seem like a nice person, but I'm not interested in anything right now ao I am going to have to say 'no.'"

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   Try an avoidance tactic. Another option is using an avoidance tactic. In other words, you dodge the request by using a decoy of some sort to not respond directly, such as giving a fake number to the person so they don't know you're rejecting them.^[4]

   • To give out a fake number, you can just make up a number, but make sure it's not someone else's number. Also, this tactic can backfire if the person tries to call it or sees you again sometime.
   • Another option is to say you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. You can also use a friend as a pretend significant other; however, if you use this tactic, you may drive off other people, which can be a problem if you are trying to meet people.
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   Skip saying "sorry." By apologizing, you're pointing out that you feel sorry for the person, which can make the rejection that much worse. Plus, you have no reason to apologize. You're simply saying that you choose not to accept their request.^[5]

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1. 1

   Make sure you need to say something. That is, sometimes, it's in your best interest to just stay silent. If telling the person won't help the situation, then you may just want to leave it alone, even if the person does irritate you.^[6]

   See Also

   How to Talk to a Girl if She Hates You | SynonymWhat to Do When You Hate the One You Love5 Ways to Make a Girl Un-hate YouHow to Get Someone Who Hates You to Like You: 12 Steps

   • For instance, telling a manager you don't like them probably isn't going to be all that helpful to you. Your manager holds power over your career and can make your work life miserable, so telling a manager you don't like them isn't going to be beneficial. You might also get in trouble for insubordination.
   • In addition, you may weigh your options if the person you don't like is a family member or a friend of the family. If you're going to see the person on a regular basis, telling them you don't like them is only going to make those situations more difficult.
   • Similarly, if the person is a mutual friend with other friends, it may make social gatherings more difficult if you tell the person you don't like them.
   • Also, consider whether you're being fair in your dislike. Maybe you took an instant dislike to someone without getting to know them. Try getting to know the person better before making a snap judgment.
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   Keep it civil. No matter how you tell someone you don't want them in your life, try not to cross over into being a jerk. You can tell someone you don't enjoy their company without being mean about it, which can also help you not burn bridges.^[7]

   • If you're too brutal, you may have trouble making friends with other people. Word will get around.
   • Don't be abusive or mean when you talk to the person; be as respectful and calm as possible.
   • For instance, saying, "I can't stand to be around you." is pretty mean. Instead, try, "Our values are too different, and I don't really have time for new friends."
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   Don't give the person an "in." If you simply don't respond to a person's advances towards friendship, they'll eventually get the message. In other words, try not to engage in chatty conversation and don't agree to plans you don't want to join in on.^[8]

   • Also, try not to smile at the person. You don't have to frown, but smiling makes you more approachable.
   • This approach can lead to other people seeing you as standoffish or a snob, so be careful.
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   Try a direct approach. While the direct approach can be brutal, it can also establish right off the bat that you don't want to go any further. If you really can't stand the person, it might be better to get it out in the open; however, this can backfire, especially if you use it at work.^[9]

   • You could say something like, "I don't think we're compatible as friends, but it was nice to meet you."
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   Be honest with your feelings. If this person appears to want more of a relationship than you are comfortable with, directly tell the person without being judgmental.^[10] For instance, perhaps they want a deeper friendship when you just want to stay acquaintances.

   • You might say something like: "I'm sensing you want more friendship from me. That's more than I'm willing to give right now. If you still want to be closer friends with me in a few months, would you be willing to check back in with me then?"
   • Alternatively, you could say, "Thanks for your kind request for friendship. You seem like a wonderful person. I'm just not interested, thanks."

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1. 1

   Consider your goal. Decide what you want out of the situation, and then make a choice about the best course of action to achieve that goal with the least amount of tension. If you just want to see the person less, then you may not need to tell the person you don't like them. If you want to cut the person out of your life completely, it's probably best to tell them upfront rather than just ignoring them.^[11] Ask yourself questions like:

   • What do I hope will happen when I tell this person I don't like them?
   • Do I want them to leave me alone? (Then maybe I should ask for that instead.)
   • Do I want to see them less? (Then maybe I should tell them I can only hangout once a month.)
   • Do I want to hurt this person's feelings? Will I regret hurting their feelings afterward?
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   Be as nice as you can. Even though you're essentially rejecting someone, you shouldn't be a jerk about it. Rather, try to keep the meanness to a minimum, so that you don't leave the person feeling horrible or hopeless.^[12]

   • For example, saying, "You're an idiot, and I don't like you," isn't really appropriate. Instead you could say, "I know you'd like to hang out more, but I am not comfortable with that. I feel our beliefs are too different."
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   Treat a friendship like a romantic relationship. If you're trying to tell a close friend that you've grown apart, treat it like you would a romantic relationship. That is, break up with them like you would do with someone you're in a romantic relationship with.^[13]

   • Sitting down with them in person is the best, though you can send a letter or email if that's your only option. Establish why you want to stop being friends. Ideally, put the blame on yourself, such as "I'm just not the same person I was, and I think we don't fit together as friends anymore."
   • Another option is asking to take a break. Maybe you just need some space to adjust, although taking a break can also be a way to ease the person into a more permanent break.
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   Avoid the person. While this option may not be the best, it is an option. You can simply stop returning a person's calls or avoid talking to them when you see them. They may eventually get the message that you don't want to be friends with them.^[14]

   • People sometimes use this method in an attempt to spare the other person's feelings, but sometimes "ghosting" like this can actually be more confusing and hurtful, and just prolong the inevitable. The person may start to worry about you and may not understand that you're trying to end the relationship, so it's usually best to just be direct if possible.
   • Know that if you avoid the person, you may end up having to be direct in the end. They may ask if something is wrong or if you are mad or avoiding them. Prepare yourself to answer these questions.
   • One way to avoid people in person is to use work as an excuse, such as, "I'd love to chat, but I really need to get back to work."
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   Be realistic. It hurts to reject a person, especially a persistent one, just as it hurts to be rejected. You're not going to get out of this situation without hurting both of your feelings; however, if the friendship is truly a bad fit, it may be time to let it go so you can both create healthier, more productive relationships.^[15]

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