how do you deal with people who cant take a hint or a straightforward answer
what would you do if you cant get rid of someone pursuing you when you already said “sorry, i’m taken”?
r/AskWomen
how do you deal with people who cant take a hint or a straightforward answer
Comments
I’d tell them it was making me uncomfortable and ask do I need to alert someone to intervene
If your talking about a stalker then you need to take legal action. If your just dealing with someone that super annoying then I usually just stop being nice about telling them no.
Hun, this is called HARASSMENT… If you live in an area with supportive cops, call them. If you don’t, call a strapping male friend (or two) to pay him a visit and set some boundaries on your behalf.
You do what you need to do, protect yourself and show that you’re not going to accept being a target. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE KIND ABOUT IT.
Consider not apologizing, or basing your lack of interest on being “taken;” maybe instead try a direct and short “I’m not interested.” It can be difficult and uncomfortable to be in that type of situation, wishing you the best of luck, stay safe.
If they can’t take a hint—or a direct “no”—that’s a 🚩 and the only flag you need. Let’s get out ahead of it.
At the end of the day, no means no. It’s not up for debate, negotiation, or delay. If someone doesn’t honor that, it’s a problem.
Whether this is a coworker, a friend, or a stranger, the answer is the same: be clear, be cold, and only engage if absolutely necessary. If they’re in your phone? Block them. If they keep pushing, cut all contact and start documenting everything.
Loop in people you trust so they can support and step in. And if it escalates, you’ll already have a paper trail ready for authorities.
This kind of situation is confusing because you shouldn’t have to deal with it. I’ve been there—with a stalker and boundary violators. What I’ve learned? Even negative attention is still a hit for them. Don’t engage.
If “I’m taken” doesn’t work, I stop being nice. I stay firm, set clear boundaries and if needed, block or walk away. But if it feels creepy or already unsafe, it’s time to report it, babe. No shame in protecting yourself.
I would first try a very loud, commanding “NO”
And if that doesn’t help give them a push. Just a little push back. Nothing that’s ment to hurt but that sometimes gets them to think.
“No.” is a complete sentence and you don’t have to say anything more than that. If they persist, it’s harassment.
Not for nothing, Krav Maga is very useful.
I’d scare them into leaving me alone.
Phone the cops.
If you’ve done that, there’s two other things you can do. The first thing you do is be direct like, “Leave me alone,” or “I’m not interested, please don’t bother me,” or “I told you that I have a boyfriend/girlfriend. I’m not interested in you.” If that still doesn’t work? File a police report for harassment and/or stalking. Also, file a restraining order.
Tell your scary guard dog friend. 😂 Let them take care of him.
And this is some person I cannot avoid? Then I’d tell them to fuck off or I’ll report them to HR or whatever reason (i.e. “authority”) that is making me unable to avoid this dumb creep.
Ghost. Ghost and ghost. Last option would be to block them.