When someone tells you they aren’t ready for a relationship, it can be disappointing.
You may have feelings for them or just be seeking something more serious in general. But how do you respond in a way that’s flirty, witty, or even savage without sabotaging future possibilities?
Here are over 30 possible responses you can try to keep things playful and interesting after hearing “I’m not ready for a relationship.”
30+ Responses When Someone Says They Aren’t Ready for a Relationship
Before jumping into the responses, it’s important not to take it too personally if someone says they aren’t looking for a relationship right now.
There can be many reasons – they just got out of one, are focused on work/school, dealing with personal issues, or simply want to play the field.
If you like them, try to keep things casual and fun without pushing for more. You never know what may develop down the road. Now onto some savvy responsesā¦
“No worries, we can start as friends and see where things go.”
“I totally understand. Relationships can be intimidating. But spending time together doesn’t have to be so serious.”
“That’s cool with me. I’d still love to hang out and get to know you better with no strings attached.”
“Sounds good! We’ll take things nice and slow.”
“Let’s just have fun and see what happens then. No pressure.”
“I’m not in a huge rush either. But I do enjoy your company.”
“I respect that. But I’d still be down for some casual dating and having adventures together.”
“No relationship? No problem! I’m open to keeping things light and seeing where it goes.”
“Okay, friends it is! But just know I tend to charm people into falling for me eventually.” flirty wink
“I totally understand you not being ready. But I’m also confident I may be able to change your mindā¦” playful smirk
“Noted. But also know that I give amazing foot rubs. Something to keep in mind for potential movie nights on the couchā¦”
“No stress at all! Although I should warn you – things may get flirty with all our hangoutsā¦”
“Let’s just say I enjoy making even ‘casual’ interestingā¦” mysterious look
“Good to know. But get ready for me to wow you with my wittiness and charm.”
“Sounds perfect! So movie nightsā¦your place or mine?” playful expression
“Fair enough. But let’s grab drinks sometime. Once you experience my captivating personality, who knowsā¦”
“I hear you. But sharing appetizers often leads to attractionā¦” flirty eyebrow raise
“Okay, I can work with casual dating and seeing where things go. But I should warn you – people tend to fall fast for all thisā¦” motions up and down your body playfully
“Let’s keep it light then! Worst case scenario, you’ll have gained an awesome new friendā¦” smile and wink
“Alright, no relationship it is. But get ready for me to subtly try seducing you with my humor, intellect, and charm at our hangouts.” mischievous glint in your eye
“Got it, casual it is! Although I can’t make any promises that flirty banter won’t happenā¦”
“Fair enough! But just so you know, I give a killer foot massage. Something to consider for potential movie nightsā¦” playful wiggle of your eyebrows
“No problems here with a casual vibe. But get ready for me to wow you with my captivating personality and humor whenever we hang outā¦” give a flirty look up and down
“I hear you. But I should warn you – I tend to have a magnetic personality that draws people inā¦” give a mysterious smile
“Okay good to know. But I also happen to be an excellent adventure buddy if you ever want to hang out, no strings attachedā¦” casual shoulder shrug
“Sounds good to me! Worst case scenario we’ll have fun together as friendsā¦” give a wink
“Alright, casual it is. But fair warning – I tend to wow people with my charm, intellect, and humor without even tryingā¦” playful eyebrow raise
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Funny Responses
Telling someone you only want a casual relationship can be awkward. Lightening the mood with some playful humor can help ease the tension.
When the time is right, try out a funny response. But make sure it doesn’t cross the line or make light of their feelings.
- “No strings attached? Sounds good to me. I’m more of a sweatpants over lingerie person anyway.”
- “Wow, calling me undateable right off the bat I see! Just kiddingā¦” give a playful nudge
- “What, am I not good enough for you or something? I’ll have you know my mom thinks I’m a catch!”
- “Darn, and here I was ready to introduce you to my parents next week! Eh, I guess they can wait.” pretend to text parents to cancel
- “Okay deal, but only if we can still homogenize our names like Brangelina. I’m thinking [your name+their name] could work!”
Savage Responses
If you feel a little sassy and want to clap back playfully, try out one of these bold responses. But read the room carefully first!
Make sure your crush will appreciate the humor and isn’t super sensitive. And don’t go overboard dragging them.
- “Wow, didn’t realize I was that intimidating! But I get itā¦all of this would be a lot to handle.” motion up and down your body dramatically
- “Letting me down easy I see. I don’t blame you though – I AM quite the catch.” hair flip
- “No worries! Can’t tie down this free spirit anyway.” wild gestures
- “I mean I WAS ready to change my Facebook status, but no biggieā¦” pretend to be scrolling through phone
- “That’s probably for the best. I tend to have that effect on peopleā¦” sassy hair flip
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Clever Responses
Impress them with your wit by responding cleverly and unpredictably.
A creative or unexpected response shows confidence and captivates their interest.
- “No relationship, got it. But also know that I make homemade chocolate brownies every other Friday. Food for thought.” intriguing raised eyebrow
- “Fair enough. But I also give a legendary foot massage – don’t say I didn’t warn you for future movie nightsā¦” mysterious look
- “Okay good to know! But just FYI, I happen to be one heck of an adventure buddy if you ever want to hang out, zero strings attachedā¦” playful shrug
- “Alright, consider me warned! But also know that I have an extensive blu-ray collection should any movie nights strike your fancyā¦” eyebrow wiggle
- “Sounds good! But get ready for me to wow you with my captivating personality next time we hangā¦” head tilt and intrigued expression
What If They Say “It’s Not You, It’s Me”?
It’s easy to take it personally when rejected. But often times when someone says “it’s not you, it’s me,” it genuinely has little to do with you.
Here are some probable reasons:
- They just aren’t ready for commitment right now
- They have personal issues or baggage
- The timing simply feels “off” for some reason
- They are focusing on other life priorities now
Regardless of their motives, don’t agonize over it! Everyone has preferences and things going on beneath the surface.
Response: “I appreciate you being upfront. And don’t worry, my ego can take it! I totally understand needing space and priorities. But I’m happy to hang out casual whenever you feel like it, zero expectations.”
What If You Suspect They Started Seeing Someone Else?
It’s inevitable that the person you’re crushing on could begin dating other people, especially if you’re not in an exclusive relationship.
But try not to jump to conclusions or feel slighted if you only suspect they started seeing someone new. Unless they confirm it or blatantly throw it in your face, assume the best.
Who knows – they actually may still be interested in you but feel temporarily distracted by this new person and the excitement of dating around. Stay friendly to keep that door open!
Response: “No prob, I’m cool with keeping things casual between us. Let me know if you ever want to grab food or chill as friends, no strings attached!”
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What If You Want More But They Insist On Just Being Friends?
Unrequited feelings suck, plain and simple. If someone explicitly states they just want to remain platonic friends, continuing to pressure them will only push them away.
As difficult as it may be, respect what they shared explicitly. Give yourself space from them if needed to get over your romantic feelings before resuming any friendship. Who knowsā¦after time passes and you date around too, you may both view the situation differently.
Response: “I appreciate the honesty – friends it is then! Just do me a favor and hook me up if you know anyone cute for me, haha.”
Conclusion
Getting told “I’m not ready to date right now” can feel like a blow to your ego or dash hopes of diving into a relationship. But in many cases, it has little to do with you personally!
Everyone moves at their own pace when it comes to dating intent and commitment comfort levels. Rather than take it as rejection, embrace the positive in the situation – this person enjoys your company enough to hang out one-on-one still.
Who knows what can transpire after spending more platonic time together! Just focus on building attraction through having fun, keeping things light, and showing off your amazing personality. And if after awhile your connection doesn’t progress and needs aren’t met, you can always kindly move on. But never lose hope in finding the right match when the timing aligns for both.