Love + Sex

Monday, December 7, 2009

Would You Go On a Date With a Man You Don't Like? Should I?

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Last night, I got a text message from a guy who was in my improv class last summer (I not-so-secretly harbor a dream of becoming the next Tina Fey!) He was friendly and funny, but I never really thought of him as more than a casual friend.

Around New Years, we began texting and ended up having an awkward get together at his apartment where we had an Audrey Hepburn movie marathon. We didn't kiss. Then we saw each other one more time, at a friend's book reading, where we lingered over drinks, but again, no chemistry, just an awkward hug goodbye.

He wants to go out again and I'm not sure of a few things:

1. Is this a date or a friendly hang out?
2. How can I tell the difference?
3. If it is a date and there is no chemistry, should I go?

I want to be open to all opportunities, but I also don't know if I can stand another awkward get-together (especially without Audrey H for company) What do you think? What would you do?

In general, even though I spend so much time trying to decipher what's going on in the male mind, I'm astonishingly bad at figuring out whether or not a guy is actually interested in me. In college, I thought the 12-page long handwritten letters from a high school friend were just friendly hellos. A few years ago, I didn't realize an acquaintance and I were meeting to do anything more than discuss writing until he leaned across the table to kiss me. And on and on and on.

Do you have any fail-safe ways you know when a guy is interested in you? What are they? And what do you do or say if you're not interested?

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 25
  • Holly J's Avatar
    Posted by Holly J Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:13am PDT

    I think that if you want to hang out with him but don't want any "date" vibes, bring a friend or just ask him flat out. Say you like hanging out with him, but you just want to make sure he knows thats ALL it is- no funny business.

    Report Abuse
  • raul63's Avatar
    Posted by raul63 Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:17am PDT

    if you were interested you would even think twice about it so i would say dont lead him on would be my opinion

    Report Abuse
  • David K's Avatar
    Posted by David K Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:20am PDT

    Gee, I don't know why you wouldn't go out with someone you don't like......... Obviously, you can't find someone to go out with that likes you. Stay home and make friends on here as nobody knows what you look like anyways.

    Report Abuse
  • jennifer's Avatar
    Posted by jennifer Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:38am PDT

    no !!!!!!!

    Report Abuse
  • Bored's Avatar
    Posted by Bored Wed Apr 15, 2009 10:48am PDT

    I think you should be honest with this guy. Tell him you like hanging out with him (if you do) but you don't want any romantic relationship with him. He could turn out to be a really good friend (with some cute guy friends to hook you up with)

    Report Abuse
  • Bea's Avatar
    Posted by Bea Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:03am PDT

    You interacted with him in class, you've texted & been on 2 awkward "dates." You claim you feel no chemistry. Another date? A big NO.

    Report Abuse
  • JessicaC's Avatar
    Posted by JessicaC Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:10am PDT

    Be honest! Dont loose a friend because your over analyzing the situation so soon. Your getting all worked up over something that shouldnt even matter right now. Enjoy his company...things will fall into place. Get comfortable enough with him and then yall will be able to tell if its just a friend thing or something more. Relax

    Report Abuse
  • zane's Avatar
    Posted by zane Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:10am PDT

    Yes I know this situation...if you have spend already time with him and really don't feel anything then just don't make hard this situation and tell him that. Sometimes need to think what you want not about that other person...

    Report Abuse
  • MrsKlingonPasadena's Avatar
    Posted by MrsKlingonPasadena Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:28am PDT

    I have gone on dates with men I don't like. Right after my divorce from my 1st husband. I was lonley and wanted to get out of the house. It was an okay date until he tried to touch me. My skin crawled.

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  • B. J.'s Avatar
    Posted by B. J. Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:47pm PDT

    Awkward hug, huh? He wants something more but is obviously unsure about what you want, so he's being cautious. Be honest with him. Tell him you found him funny and friendly from the start, but the spark has failed to appear over your time together. friends or not depends on both of you after that.

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 25

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