How to reject someone nicely at work

Work is probably the most difficult place to reject someone as you’re trapped with them for a very long period of the day. There are also potential power dynamics in play as well as the guaranteed social ones.

This situation is just an all-around unpleasant experience so it’s best to get it over and done with as soon as you can. They’re never going to be ok with the rejection so there is no perfect time or place to do it.

Be honest

There’s no reason to beat around the bush, tell them that you’re not interested at all and never will be. Of course not in those exact words, but you need to make it clear that you’re not attracted to them, but be careful not to make it seem like they’re disgusting.

In the short term they’ll hate you, but in the long term, they’ll appreciate that you didn’t dodge the situation and accidentally lead them on. Being straight to the point saves both of you lots of stress and tears.

Don’t offer them hope

When you’re rejecting them you need to make it clear that there’s 0 chance that things will ever change. There’s nothing that they can do to change, and there’s no chance that your mind will change.

If they have even a little bit of hope they will try again. It’ll be like a supervillain…