It’s summer and maybe in an attempt to feel less lonely, you went on a few dates with the hope of finding someone for a LTR. But unfortunately the dates didn’t go well, and you couldn’t wait to get out of there.
 
So when you had your last bad date, how did you end it?
 
Did you get up and walk out? Or did you sit there and suffer silently, stealing GLANCES at your watch and thinking what a big waste of time it all is.
 
Unfortunately, BAD dates happen to everyone. If you’re out there dating, you’re bound to have a clunker once in awhile.
 
The NUMBER ONE complaint I hear in my Facebook groups is about how much time dating takes up. They also say that one of the BIGGEST wastes of time is feeling trapped on a date with someone they have absolutely no interest in seeing again. They don’t want to sit there leading the other person on, but they don’t know how to politely END the date.
 
Do you?
 
Your time is the most precious commodity you have. It is also the MOST precious commodity your date has. So, even though it might FEEL awkward, by ending the date sooner than later, you will be doing both of you a favor.
 
How long is an appropriate amount of time to spend on a date with someone you’re absolutely not attracted to? If you feel comfortable, end it right away, ESPECIALLY if your date has misrepresented his or her weight, height, or age in an online dating profile. Say something simple but polite, like, “Thanks for meeting me. You look VERY different from your pictures (or, from the way you described yourself in your profile) and I don’t want to waste your time or mine.”
 
If you don’t feel comfortable being this UPFRONT, then 20 or 30 minutes should be a sufficient amount of time to spend with someone before making your exit.
 
When ending the encounter, be considerate of your date’s feelings. Say something like, “It has been really nice to meet you. I don’t think we’re a MATCH and I just want to be respectful of your time. I wish you all the best and I really appreciate you coming out to meet me.”
 
Most people don’t want to seem rude, but WHEN phrased like this, your dates will admire–and even envy–your tact.

XO,