There’s a right thing to do when you just aren’t feeling a relationship…

…and then there’s what we usually do.

The fade away.

Online, it seemed perfect. But you’ve met, and it’s… well… flat, maybe? Just not there. No sparks. No whiz-bang.

They are nice. Sweet, even. You could like them, sometimes even think you should like them, since on paper, they are what you’re looking for—except instead of fireworks, you don’t even get poppers. It’s just nothing.

And you’re let down. And you feel bad, because you had high hopes.

What’s worse, though, is that they don’t seem to notice. They’re still excited about whatever it was you were trying to build. They smile and send picture texts and ask when you’ll get together again.

And.

You.

Just.

Can’t.

So, you fade away.

Because you don’t want to be an asshole, right? You don’t want to say the words that might make someone feel bad.

I mean, we used to do it with self-blame.

“It’s not you. It’s me.”

But now, everyone hears that as, “It’s you, nyaa nyaa nyaa! You’re hideous, deformed, socially awkward, and just undesireable to the world!”

So, we have found a better option.

The fade away.

It says the same thing, but it takes so much longer that it’s harder for them to call you on it.

So, here’s the lowdown on stretching it out as long as possible, and avoiding saying anything direct, while simultaneously making them doubt their attractiveness and ability to meet anyone who is not a meanypants jerkface.

1. For the first day, simply take about twice as long as usual to respond to texts.

Make each response short, and give no follow-up conversational lures.

For example, if you usually respond within 10 minutes, take 20-30 minutes, and make the responses simple.

• “Yeah.”
• “lol”
• “Uh huh.”

2. Do not project any excitement.

Keep it neutral. At most basic smiley, not happy-laughing smiley.

This:

• 🙂

Not these:

• 🙂
• 😀
• 😉
• :)~

And definitely not:

• <3!!!

3. Over the next few days, stretch out the time between responses.

You will likely get called on this during this time. Be prepared with your reasons.

Note: These are not called excuses, because they are not meant to actually excuse you. They need to know, deep down inside that you are blowing them off, but your reason should be good enough that they cannot call you on it without feeling like a douchebag themselves.

• “Work has been crazy.”
• “Been feeling under the weather.”
• “My grandma is ill.”

4. Whenever asked for another date or time to get together, put them off, but don’t say “No.”

In other words, do the opposite of actually setting a date and time.

• “My bestie/roommate/friend from high school wanted to do something this week, but I’m not sure when.”
• “I have this project that’s due, and I don’t know when I’ll get free.”
• “I’ve been crazy stressed, and I just need some me time.”

Ideally, these are things that are 100% true that you would say, and yet, they should be flimsy enough that anyone would know that if you REALLY wanted to see them, you would.

5. Just stop responding.

Or, alternately, respond in random, but always long intervals.

3 days, 7, 5 days, 2 days, 10 days…

ADVANCED DAGGER TWIST: Be active on social media that you share.

That way, they can see you being active and doing things and making time for others, while you simultaneously put them off.

This can backfire, though, so be aware and plan carefully.

Now it’s your turn!

I know you’re sick of just telling the truth and accepting the consequences. Now, you can drag this out over time, possibly even create layers of self-doubt and inwardly-directed recriminations in your former potential partner that will stand them in good stead when creating entirely new relationship neuroses in the future.

You may also get some really amazing “Why” queries to bolster your own ego and boost your flagging self esteem.

And if you start to feel bad, well, there’s a YouTube video about it, so it must be socially acceptable, right?

Right?

Image by Tahmid Imran Imon from Pixabay