7 Ways to Deal with Someone You Don't Want to Be Friends with ...

Do you need some ways to deal with someone you don't want to be friends with? It's really rather awkward when someone wants to make friends with you but you don't really click with them. Sometimes they try a bit too hard to be your friend, and you don't want to bluntly tell them you're not interested. But how can you diplomatically deter someone? Here are some ways to deal with someone you don't want to be friends with:

1 Be Firm

One of the ways to deal with someone you don't want to be friends with is to be firm and not cave in. Giving in to someone who is persistent will just mean that you end up maintaining a 'friendship' that doesn't mean anything and resenting the other person for imposing themselves on you. Don't let it start, and you won't have to finish it.

2 Remain Friendly

Even if you don't want to be friends with someone, you should still maintain a courteous attitude towards them. There's a difference between being friends and being friendly; the latter doesn't mean that you'll be encouraging them. You can still be civil, so try to resist being rude in an attempt to put them off.

3 Impose Limits

If you don't mind this person too much, but you just don't want to be friends with them, try setting limits on your dealings with them. Perhaps you don't mind hanging around with them as part of a group, or having the occasional coffee. If so, try to ensure that you only see them under these circumstances.

4 Avoid Them

Some persistent would-be friends really don't get the hint, and keep on trying to make friends with you. In such a situation, avoiding them may be the best option. Above all, make sure that they don't get hold of your number, or you could be fielding calls all the time. This can also be the best way of dealing with someone who is offended that you don't return their interest.

5 Be Unavailable

If someone you don't want to be friends with gets hold of your number don't answer their calls. It may be a bit cowardly to avoid answering them, but eventually they will get the message and stop calling. And if they ask you face to face if you want to do something on a specific date, tell them you're not free then.

6 Be Busy

Don't feel guilty about saying no to someone if you don't have the time or inclination to be friends with them. It's kinder to both of you than going along with something you don't want to do. If they invite you to something directly, then explain that you are too busy at the moment, even if you have to do so every time they ask.

7 Find Them Another Friend

Perhaps you really don't have anything in common with this person, but you know someone else who does. In that case, you could play friend matchmaker and introduce them. And if they don't want to be friends either, simply give them the link to this article and they'll know what to do!

You don't have to be friends with someone if you don't want to, so don't feel obliged. Just be polite about explaining that you don't have time/would rather not meet for coffee etc. Have you ever been pestered by someone who wouldn't take no for an answer?

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Comments

Catherine Ended up blocking a couple on my mobile phone, who were inviting themselves over, and they never recipricated. We didn't want to be friends, but they wouldn't take no for an answer. We didn't even know their surname, let alone where they lived. Felt uneasy with their constant quest for personal information, so avoided places where they went, and blocked them. We went 2 months, then they unexpectedly turn up at our home, mid evening. They tried to invite themselves in, by saying they needed the loo, but were told to go away! So angry, and feel as though we are being stalked!
MyName They are doing that to you because they don't like you and want to hurt or embarrass you. Sadly they are in control.
MyName I tried all those things and the guy pushed sex on me and now I have a child? What do I do?
Molly I have a friend that don't like anymore. She's a bitch and is soooo self-absorbed. so I was wondering... how do I hurt her emotionally?
Alice There is a guy in my school who keeps trying to talk to me when Im busy with other people. ITS SUPER ANNOYING. He wont shut up, and if I dont spend time with them he gets all sad and depressed
Skyler Read the comments and I think advices here won't work much. Sometimes being blunt, rude will work. If they don't comprehend you dint want to be close with them despite your indications with behaviors you have right to rude because no one has right to cross your boundaries
Anonymous I just hate everything right now. This person is not my friend but inserts herself into my life. It’s so wrong😞
Bob What if they smell like really bad?
Stella The person in my life is an old acquaintance from 25 years ago who has tried to stay in contact with me. I moved out of state and have had very little contact with her in 27 years. At one point she planned a visit and insisted on staying with us. Not wanting to hurt her feelings we endured it. Over the years she makes the annual phone call and tries to play catch-up. Im cordial. But now, out of the blue, they have moved to my state. Purposely looking for a place 40min away. Paid $17,000 over asking price to get the house!! Now they constantly call and try to set up "visit" days or dinners at their house. They tell people that we're good friends that have known eachother for decades, when in actuality we were only acquaintances who had mutual friends and only occasionally did anything together. She calls every other day and keeps me on the phone for an hour each time. She gets her feelings hurt if I don't reciprocate her eagerness to nourish this relationship. I want to MOVE!!!! Her husband encourages her to call me, visit, me and set up visits. Her husband us now trying to befriend my husband who is an elder in our faith and can't easily turn away ones who wish to visit with HIM. I like all people, however I am an introvert and don't require getting out much, receiving visits, or talking on the phone. I have friends, but my husband is my closest friend....my home is my personal space. I feel I'm being almost harassed into accepting her pushy advances into my life.
Kitty Block her number maybe?
Isabella Ok well i'm 24 and i have a 20 year old girl i knew from class at college. We hung out for a few months but i just didn't 'click' with her, and she'd text me all the time with exactly this: "Hey Isabella 😃" as if she wanted something from me. She hasn't texted for ages and i thought she got the point, but just last week she texted again (sigh) advice, anyone??
- Alice @Isabella: maybe tell her your not interested