You might know after just 1 or 2 dates that the relationship isn’t going to work out. For others, it might take 3 or 4 dates to decide. Either way, talk with the other person as soon as you realize you don’t want to date them.

For example, call them and say, “Hi, so this is awkward for me, but I don’t think I want to go out with you anymore. I just wanted to be honest with you and not lead you on. " You could say, “I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed getting to know you a little, but I’m just not feeling a spark. I hope you find someone great to spend time with!"[3] X Expert Source Maria AvgitidisMatchmaker & Dating Expert Expert Interview. 20 December 2019. Don’t feel like you have to break up in person. It’s one thing to end a long-term relationship on the phone, but you’re probably not emotionally invested in each other after just a few dates, so a phone call is totally fine.

Tbh it’s been fun hanging out but I don’t think we’re meant to be a couple. Hi! I really liked getting to know you, but I’m not feeling a connection. It was great to meet you though. Hey, thanks for meeting me yesterday. I’m pretty sure you feel the same, but I didn’t feel a romantic connection.

For example, instead of saying, “I’m so sorry this isn’t working out right now. I just came out of a serious relationship and I’m not ready for dating,” say, “Thanks for meeting up with me the last few days, but this relationship doesn’t feel like a good fit. I just wanted to be honest with you. "

Instead of saying, “I’m so sorry, but this isn’t working out,” say, “I don’t feel like this is working out. I wish you the best of luck in your next relationship. "

You might be surprised—maybe they’ll say they were feeling the same way about the relationship.

To completely end things, you might say, “It doesn’t feel like we’re compatible and I don’t think this relationship will work out. I’d like to end things, but I wish you all the best in the future. "

Ending the relationship is the best way to show the person that you respect them and their feelings. It also gives the other person some closure. [10] X Expert Source Maria AvgitidisMatchmaker & Dating Expert Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.