Imagine you are on a first date but it’s taken a turn for the worst! Maybe you have nothing in common, perhaps you’ve both ran out of things to say, or maybe there’s just no chemistry. Things aren’t going well and you’re experiencing the date from hell. Second date…? No thank you. The question for today: How do you bring the date to a cordial close?
I’ve once or twice committed an ultimate no-no with the “I’ll call you” line even when I had no intention on calling a date. Sometimes it’s hard to say the appropriate thing when situations are just awkward and you’ll do anything to leave. I’ve learned my lesson. Just don’t say it—unless you want them calling you for another date! You can end the date without lying or being rude (your mama taught you better than that)! So heed my advice and make note of the tips ahead for the next time you find yourself in a dating dilemma.
Dinner and a… Actually, Just Dinner
During the planning stages of a date, maybe you had dinner and a movie planned or maybe ice-skating and then a coffee spot to warm up together. If you already know after the first activity that it just isn’t working, end the date in between activities—avoid ending it in the middle of something. This will help prevent you from experiencing half-eaten dinners and the awkwardness of someone leaving when an activity has already started. Plus, there is no point in wasting each other’s time when the date has already flopped.
Gratitude is the Best Attitude
Regardless of the fact that the date hit a brick wall, make sure to thank the other person for the date. Let them know that you are glad you had a chance to get to know them and wish them well. It’s a graceful way to bow out. Try variations of the following:
“It was great meeting you. Thanks for everything tonight. Take Care!”
“I enjoyed meeting and getting to know you better. Thanks for the date. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!” (This clues them in that you will not be partaking in any activities with them over the weekend…or ever).
My Handshake Brings all the Boys to the Yard
Conclude your date with a handshake. This is the best way to use body language to let your date know that you appreciate their time and wish them well but don’t plan on seeing them again. A handshake shows that you are not interested in them in a romantic-kind-of-way. Whatever you do, don’t give them a hug or a kiss (although it may seem obvious, some people do it)! You’re sending across the wrong message by doing that—making them believe there’s a chance.
Honesty is the Best Policy
End the date with class. Don’t excuse yourself out of a bad date with a fake phone call or storm out of there because of a pretend urgent matter that you must tend to. If it isn’t working out, express your thoughts and tell your date in a tactful way. Even though they may be a little upset, they’ll respect your honesty.
Even though you may want to end a date immediately and call it a day, think about your date’s feelings. They are human after all (or at least we’d hope so)! They’ve invested in you, whether it be time, money, or emotions, so it’s best to end the date on a polite note—without giving them the impression that date number two is in the works. Good luck!
I’ve once or twice committed an ultimate no-no with the “I’ll call you” line even when I had no intention on calling a date. Sometimes it’s hard to say the appropriate thing when situations are just awkward and you’ll do anything to leave. I’ve learned my lesson. Just don’t say it—unless you want them calling you for another date! You can end the date without lying or being rude (your mama taught you better than that)! So heed my advice and make note of the tips ahead for the next time you find yourself in a dating dilemma.
Dinner and a… Actually, Just Dinner
During the planning stages of a date, maybe you had dinner and a movie planned or maybe ice-skating and then a coffee spot to warm up together. If you already know after the first activity that it just isn’t working, end the date in between activities—avoid ending it in the middle of something. This will help prevent you from experiencing half-eaten dinners and the awkwardness of someone leaving when an activity has already started. Plus, there is no point in wasting each other’s time when the date has already flopped.
Gratitude is the Best Attitude
Regardless of the fact that the date hit a brick wall, make sure to thank the other person for the date. Let them know that you are glad you had a chance to get to know them and wish them well. It’s a graceful way to bow out. Try variations of the following:
“It was great meeting you. Thanks for everything tonight. Take Care!”
“I enjoyed meeting and getting to know you better. Thanks for the date. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!” (This clues them in that you will not be partaking in any activities with them over the weekend…or ever).
My Handshake Brings all the Boys to the Yard
Conclude your date with a handshake. This is the best way to use body language to let your date know that you appreciate their time and wish them well but don’t plan on seeing them again. A handshake shows that you are not interested in them in a romantic-kind-of-way. Whatever you do, don’t give them a hug or a kiss (although it may seem obvious, some people do it)! You’re sending across the wrong message by doing that—making them believe there’s a chance.
Honesty is the Best Policy
End the date with class. Don’t excuse yourself out of a bad date with a fake phone call or storm out of there because of a pretend urgent matter that you must tend to. If it isn’t working out, express your thoughts and tell your date in a tactful way. Even though they may be a little upset, they’ll respect your honesty.
Even though you may want to end a date immediately and call it a day, think about your date’s feelings. They are human after all (or at least we’d hope so)! They’ve invested in you, whether it be time, money, or emotions, so it’s best to end the date on a polite note—without giving them the impression that date number two is in the works. Good luck!