Let 'em down easy

The Scene: Single Malt Bar & Grill, a first date from eHarmony

The Cast: Erin, 46, avid marathon runner and figure skater, and Danny, 50, steak-lover and fan of WWF and extreme fighting competitions

The exit interview:

Erin – "Danny was nice enough.  We didn't have a lot in common, and the attraction wasn't there for me, unfortunately.  I'm glad we met, but I think it was pretty clear that this was our first and last date."

Danny – "Wow.  Erin is the woman I've been waiting for.  She listened to every word I said about wrestling, and she got two drinks, so that must mean she wanted to stay longer.  I think I'll email her tomorrow to ask her out again.  I don't see any reason why she'd say no."

This scenario occurs a lot, and the disappointed party is not limited to either gender—it happens to everyone at one point or another.  It's not the end of the world, though.  Seeing if you have a mutual connection with someone is what dating is all about.  Unfortunately, sometimes you just don't.  But it's how you handle yourself afterwards that really matters.

If your date wants to see you again, you'll usually get an email or text.  (The phone's gone out the window these days, sadly.)  If you're not interested, you have four choices: 1) Agree to go out with him/her again, 2) Politely decline with a white lie, 3) Politely decline with the truth, or 4) Ignore him/her.  Assuming you really do not want to go out with the person again, the best option is #3.  No one can be upset with you for politely telling the truth.  But it's all in how you say it.

It was really nice meeting you, and thanks again for the drink!  Unfortunately, I just didn't think we clicked the way I'd want us to, but I think you're really great and hope to run into you again soon.

Or,

It was really nice meeting you! Unfortunately, I didn't feel the connection I was looking for, but I wish you the best of luck.  Thanks again. :)

Not bad, right?  It's truthful (unless you don't think the person is great at all), gets the point across, and there won't be any miscommunication.

A friend of mine once emailed me her dilemma: "That reminds me, I went out with the French guy from online who I had a nice 'e-lationship' with.  The date was fine.  I don't really have complaints, but I also do not have butterflies whatsoever, not even moths fluttering around.  I think the attraction was not there.  He has now been texting, but I couldn't get myself to text him back yesterday.  I just don't think I want to hang again.  Is that bad?  Should I give it another shot?  Also, if not, do I need to let him know that nicely or do I just not write back?  I never know what to do!"

My response: "Well, I'm glad the e-lationship with the guy ended and you finally met up.  Did he at least have a sexy accent?  ;)  Unfortunately, only you know whether there's enough potential to go out with him again.  If you think there's even a small chance, it can't hurt to have another drink.  Some people do get nervous on the first date, and attraction definitely grows the more you get to know and like someone's personality.  But that one is up to you.  As for letting him know vs. not, in this day and age, as you know, most people do not get back to someone after the first date if they don't want to go out again.  Given that he did text, you could let it go, which I'm sure is what most people would do.  But the better, more mature, response would be to say, 'I had a great time the other night.  Not sure I felt the spark, but thanks again for the drink!'  That way, it's honest, and if you ever run into each other, he can't fault you for being truthful."

Erika Ettin is the Founder of A Little Nudge, where she helps people navigate the world of online dating, and author of Love at First Site.  Want to connect with Erika?  Join her newsletter for updates and tips.