It’s never easy to reject someone.
Most of us don’t like hurting people, and rejection can undoubtedly sting.
You’re also setting a boundary for yourself and protecting your own time and head space.
Deciding how to reject someone.
That said, context matters a lot.
“Think about your own specific situation,” she says.
“On a neurolinguistic level, we tend to feel negative and guilty if we reject someone.
If that’s not where you’re at, it’s inbothpeople’s best interests to move on.
Consider your timing.
Rejection of any kind is hard to dish and receive,” Battle points out.
“Think about when might be a good time to deliver the news, for them and yourself.”
Be honest.
It just means being direct and making it clear that the door is truly closed for you.
Don’t speak for them.
“Never speak on their behalf,” Battle says.
Avoid overexplaining.
However, this can often create a rat’s nest of questions and negative feelings," she notes.
“Avoid overexplaining, rationalizing, or getting into a back-and-forth about how thingscouldpossibly work out.”
Be thoughtful about your word choice in this conversation.
Manly also recommends avoiding the wordrejectionin the conversation if possible.
Accept that they may be hurt.
“However, you’re not responsible for that person’s feelings whenyouractions were kind and compassionate.
In general, the best you might do is break things off as kindly and gently as possible.”
“you could listen and then politely disengage.
If you have been honest and kind in your delivery, that’s all you’re responsible for.”
How to reject someone and still be friends.
Yes, it’s possible to reject someone romantically and still continue to be friends.
The key here, though, is to ensure friendship would feel good for both people.
(For more, we’ve got afull guide on how to be friends with an ex.)
