The end of a date can be one of the most awkward parts of dating. It’s important to know how to end a date with grace, so that your date doesn’t feel hurt or ignored.
Avoid saying things that could be seen as patronising, such as “It was nice to meet you, let’s arrange to meet again sometime”. Be honest and direct.
1. Say “Thank you”
When you’re dating someone new, it can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at once. You’re hoping that the two of you hit it off, but you also don’t want to end the date on a bad note.
Regardless of whether or not you want to see the person again, it’s always polite to say thank you at the end of the night. This is especially true if they paid for your meal or drinks.
It’s okay to hint at another date if you really like the person, but don’t tell them that you’ll call them or that you’d like to meet up again if you’re not sure. This will only lead them on and cause them to become frustrated.
Try teasing them with a casual “it was nice meeting you” or even a “let’s do it again” text before saying goodbye. It will make them feel special and show that you’re interested in them. Then, if they’re interested in you back, they’ll be ready for the next date! If not, they’ll be able to see that you’re not into them.
2. Make up an excuse
Depending on the situation, you may need to make up an excuse to end your date. This can be helpful if you want to protect your date’s feelings or if you don’t feel comfortable with what’s going on during the date.
A popular excuse is to say that you are sick. This is a good option because it’s believable and doesn’t put your date on the defensive. Just be sure to add some details to the story, such as how you woke up with a sore throat or that you are feeling a cold coming on.
Alternatively, you could also say that you’re running late to meet up with friends. This is also a great way to end the date without making your date feel uncomfortable. Just make sure to give them your cell phone number so that they can text you later to set up another time. This is a great excuse to use if you’re already in a casual location, such as a bowling alley or mini-golf course, where it will be easy to get out of the date quickly.
3. Say “I’m sorry”
Sometimes, even if you’ve made it through the first date unscathed, there’s just no spark. If you’re finding yourself counting down the minutes until your ride comes to pick you up, there’s a very easy way to end your date without being rude.
Just say, “I’m sorry, but I have to get going. It was nice to meet you.”
If you’re in a restaurant, you could also offer to pay half the bill. This shows that you’re not just bailing on them, but that you understand the rules of dating and don’t like breaking them.
One thing you should never do is tell someone you’ll call them or want to set another date if you don’t feel that way. This can be extremely confusing and invites bad dating karma. Plus, it’s just not fair to lead them on like that! It’s always best to be honest. If you do want to see each other again, try teasing them about it in a light-hearted way and adding some humor. That way, your dates will know that you’re interested in them and it won’t be as awkward!
4. Say “I don’t think we’re a good match”
This is a direct and honest way to end a date. It’s also much easier than making up an excuse and leaving your date wondering why you canceled.
If you’re feeling a little uncomfortable, you can try saying something like “It was nice to meet you, but I don’t think we’re a good match.” This is a simple and honest way to end the date without making your date feel bad.
You can use this method to end a date over the phone or in person. If you’re going to phone them, be sure to set up a time beforehand so they don’t feel surprised or caught off guard by your cancellation.
If you’re ending a date in person, say “I don’t think we’re a match” before asking them for another meeting. This will help them understand that you’re not interested in seeing them again and will avoid confusion and bad dating karma. Remember, it’s always better to be straightforward than to leave your date wondering why you didn’t call or ask them out again.
5. Ask for a hug
It can be difficult to know how to end a date without hurting someone’s feelings. Fortunately, there are many ways to politely and confidently leave a date without making them feel bad about it.
One way to do this is by asking for a hug. A hug can be a great way to show that you want to leave the date on good terms and that you’re happy to see them again in the future.
However, it’s important to remember that a hug is not necessarily a sign of romantic interest. A person may give you a hug for many reasons. For example, they may be trying to gauge your level of comfort with physical affection or they may be simply looking for a friendly goodbye. If you’re unsure of the reason behind their hug, it’s best to ask them what they mean.
