1. “By the way, great outfit but a new attitude might suit you better.”
She could be a super model or just catty enough to be mistaken for one, but

	Nightmare dates often stem from an inability to say “no.”

that doesn’t condone abuse. If you have to use this one try not to be snide but make sure she knows you mean it.

2. “Thank you for at least being honest with me.”
Nightmare dates often stem from an inability to say “no.” Never feel bad about rejections that spare you this from the get go.

3. “I’m sorry this didn’t work out but it’s been a pleasure meeting you.”
A classic dignity saver, regardless of how your advances were dismissed, a reply this polite both makes an impression and ensures that you can walk away with your head held high.

4. “It’s just a drink or dinner. I’m not going to bite.”
Quick, unexplained rejections are often the reaction of someone all too familiar with its sting. If she’s still saying “no” after reassuring her you can be certain that she is the one with the problem, not you.

5. “I understand but if you change your mind, here is my number.”
Requiring little more than enough self-confidence to keep a stash of business cards at the ready, this line is the perfect way to turn the embarrassment of a “no” into the rush of a “maybe.”

6. “Have you looked in the mirror lately?"
For those unable to utter “you ain’t all that” with a

Too many advances are encouraged for another’s amusement.

straight face, or being laughed at themselves, this classic comeback continues to beg the question: Shouldn’t you do a little brushing up yourself before thinking of giving me the brush off?

7. “Where did I go wrong?"
In the right situation rejection can provide valuable insight into the female perspective. If you’re confident enough, consider asking this honest question instead of grasping for a snappy retort.

8. “Don’t you realize that you are hurting people by leading them on?"
Too many advances are encouraged for another’s amusement. This is the cruelest form of rejection and if recognized should be confidently, yet calmly curbed.

9. “Your boyfriend is a lucky man, but foolish to leave you alone.”
Since you will never know whether the specter of a boyfriend is real or just convenient, always have this line ready to make an appearance.

10. “Okay, I was only asking for my buddy anyway… but who is your friend?"
Although it is fairly transparent to feign acting on behalf of a friend, confidently said within a group, this line can often earn you points, as well as giggles. And in most instances that equals saving face as well as one more chance to connect.

Tom Milnes is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to Happen magazine.