When your date doesn’t work out, you need to know how to end the meeting properly without being rude. Disappearing from the table or surreptitiously texting a friend to ask for a bailout call may seem like quick options, but they’re not very mature.
Instead, follow these five easy-to-follow tips on how to politely end a date.
1. Be honest
In a perfect world, first dates would go off without any hiccups. But, as any dater knows, even the best-laid plans have the potential to go awry. If your date isn’t into you or you can feel that spark missing, it is important to be honest. It will save you both time and heartache in the long run.
A popular way to end a date is to mention that you’ve had a great time, but that you aren’t feeling the right chemistry. This can be done in person or over text, but it is most respectful to do it in person if possible.
You can also say you have to leave early or have something planned, but be sure to tell your date where you’re going before you head out. This will give them a chance to plan accordingly if they don’t want you to leave too soon.
Lastly, it is important to be polite and pay your share of the bill when it comes time to leave. Typically, the guy picks up the tab on the first date, but you can offer to pay half if it makes you more comfortable. This shows that you are being thoughtful and considerate, and will hopefully make your date happy with the way you ended things. Plus, it will avoid the awkwardness of having to divvy up the check!
2. Say thank you
It’s important to say thank you when ending a date, especially if you had a good time. It will help your date understand that you enjoy spending time with them and would like to do it again. Men don’t always pick up on subtle clues that are given in conversation, so this simple gesture of appreciation will let him know you are interested.
If you really did have a great time, it’s also a nice idea to give him a kiss as you are leaving the venue. This doesn’t have to be a romantic or sexy kiss, just a quick goodbye.
However, if you did not have a good time, then simply saying “thank you for a pleasant evening” is fine as well. You can then give your date a quick hug and tell them you hope to see them again sometime. This way, you can leave without any awkwardness and they won’t be left wondering what happened.
3. Make up an excuse
When your date goes wrong, you can always rely on a good old-fashioned excuse to get out of there. It’s the classic move that you’ve probably seen in movies, and it can definitely work in real life. For example, if you spill food or drink all over your outfit (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?) just tell them that you need to go home and deal with it.
Another great trick is to pretend that you’re in need of a bathroom break. This way, you’re more likely to leave before they even notice that you’re leaving. Of course, it’s important to be careful when using this strategy — you don’t want to leave them standing alone at the bar or restaurant!
If you’re meeting for a video date, it’s also super easy to end the session by saying that your mom/sister/mom-in-law is sick or something similar. The best part about this excuse is that it’s pretty hard to argue with!
During the coronavirus pandemic, it’s easier than ever to end a date by saying that you need to head home to care for your sick child. This excuse is a surefire way to save you from an awkward encounter and will ensure that you don’t meet someone who could potentially spread the virus to your family! Hopefully, you won’t have to use it for long, but it’s nice to know that you’re prepared just in case.
4. Tell the truth
In a perfect world, first dates go off without a hitch. But, if there is a hitch, you’ll want to know how to end the date with confidence and grace. After all, the last thing you want to do is give your date the wrong impression.
For example, if you really didn’t like your date, be honest and let them down gently. Be sure to thank them for their time, especially if they paid for dinner or drinks. Showing gratitude sends a positive message that you are respectful and appreciative of your date.
You should also be honest about whether or not you would like to see them again. If you feel a connection, be direct and say that you’d love to see them again. Make eye contact, and touch them on a non-sexual part of their body, such as their arm or knee. This sends the message that you are confident and independent, which is a quality women love in men.
Sometimes, you may enjoy a date but be disappointed that it doesn’t seem to have any potential. This can be due to things such as work or leisure interests, even if there is a good chemistry. If you don’t think there is a romantic future, be honest about it. It’s better for everyone if there is clarity early on.
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