How to End a Bad Date

If your date turns out to be everything you never wanted and more, follow these tips to end your outing effectively and tactfully.

Step 1: Have a policy Have a dating policy. Meeting for a weekday lunch will provide a limited time frame and a safe, public location.
Step 2: Be graceful Be graceful and keep up your end of the conversation, even if sparks aren’t flying.
TIP: You might actually make a friend of your bad date if you let go of any romantic expectations.
Step 3: Remain tactful Remain tactful. Express disappointment without negativity. Say, 'I’m having a good time but I was hoping we’d have more chemistry.' If your date seems nervous and awkward, tell them you’re feeling the same way and suggest ending the date.
Step 4: Be honest Be honest at the end of a bad date and say why you don’t want to go out again. For instance, 'You’re nice but we don’t have a lot in common.' Or, 'You have interesting things to say but the conversation was more one-sided than I like.'
TIP: Take advantage of a lull in the conversation to end the date. Say that it seems you don’t have much to say to one another, thank them, and leave.
Step 5: Get up and leave Get up and leave if a date is touchy-feely, rude, abusive, or drunk.
FACT: One in five high-school-age girls has been physically or sexually abused by a date.