Say, “I enjoy having you as a friend, but I’m not interested in a romantic relationship. ” Don’t add conditions to the no. For example, don’t say, “I’m already seeing someone. ”

Never apologize for how you feel. Don’t engage in a conversation with them if they are trying to convince you to change your mind.

For example, don’t say, “Maybe if there weren’t so many people at this party,” or “I have to get up early tomorrow. ” Instead, say, “I’m not interested in sex. ”

Tell your other friends if you feel uncomfortable or afraid.

Say, “Thanks, but I’m not interested. ” If they buy the drink anyway, say, “I told you that I’m not interested. You can give that drink to someone else. ” In general, you should buy your own drinks whenever possible. It’s risky to take drinks from others, especially if you didn’t see them order the drink, because the drink could be drugged. [6] X Expert Source Collette GeeRelationship Coach & Certified Violence Prevention Specialist Expert Interview. 1 May 2020.

Don’t say “Oh, tonight I’m focusing on my friends. ” Do say “No, thanks. I’m not interested. ”

Maintain your personal space.

Say, “That guy over at the bar just asked me to go home with him. I said, ‘No,’ but could you guys let me know if he starts walking this way?”

Call a taxi, driving service, or friend if the situation escalates so that you don’t have to go home alone.

If they ask for personal details, turn it back to the workplace. Say, “We need to focus on meeting this deadline, so let’s limit our conversation to work topics. ”

Say, “I agreed to this meeting to discuss the project we’re working on, and that’s all I’m interested in discussing. ”

After they make an advance toward you, keep all meetings in a professional environment. For example, don’t go to one-on-one lunch meetings or out to coffee. Ask a coworker to help provide a buffer between the two of you.

Tell trusted coworkers to be on the lookout for this behavior so they can serve as witnesses if you need to make a report.

Don’t focus your complaint on your feelings, but do tell your boss or HR if the behavior feels like harassment or has created a hostile working environment.

Try to switch your project or client with another coworker. Document the reason why you stopped working with that person.