Though it’s a public place, do not bring friends along for moral support because rejecting him in front of friends is always a bit rude. [3] X Research source This isn’t to say you can’t have a friend nearby, but don’t have the friend present for the conversation.

While the guy is likely to ask why you’re not interested, remember that you don’t owe him any in-depth explanation if you don’t want to give one. It’s his responsibility to respect your decision and not your responsibility to justify your decision to him. However, you can always choose to answer if he asks respectfully.

This may require you telling him that you think you two need the space apart before trying just to be friends (if that’s even what you want) since the crush is likely to try to see you to win you over despite your decision. [7] X Research source

By gossiping, you can very easily stir up negative emotions in the guy that make him angry and attempt to contact you about it. Since you’re trying to get him to leave you alone in the first place, this is not the way to make that happen.

For more information on how to do this, check out: How to Break Up with a Boy or How to Break Up with a Guy Nicely. Of course, if you simply want to compare your own relationship behavior to what could potentially cause you to lose the guy, then there are several things to avoid.

Disregarding his emotions and challenges as valid is just as disrespectful and hurtful as always putting your own first as well. [12] X Research source Keep in mind that respecting him doesn’t mean being subservient to him. This is still the 21st century. Respect goes both ways.

He’ll retreat even more quickly if you pair your judgmental behavior with explicit blame toward him for the flaws and shortcomings and then complain about him because of them to others. [15] X Research source

This applies just as much to trusting his ability to make decisions as it does to trusting his fidelity. Trust enters multiple facets of a relationship.

By never taking responsibility and never forgiving him, you additionally end up keeping him on the hook for things that weren’t even his fault, which will really go a long way to losing him.