I’m just not that into you.

How do you reject someone you’ve been ‘sort of seeing’ … in the hopes of putting him on the friend bucket?

There’s so many levels to dating that this conversation can become very convoluted in no time. There’s someone you’re seeing, someone you’re sort of seeing, and perhaps people in between – and of course, men who belong in the friend zone. There are so many levels and feelings gambled that I feel it’s one giant russian roulette.

I’ve been mulling over this question since this morning, when I got a proverbial SMS from a man who has expressed a distinct ‘fondness’ over me.

See, here’s where it gets complicated. He’s a great guy, not freaky at all, but the mere fact that he reminds me more of a father – he knows his world history down pat, he’s great in math  and he’s a member of the academe. Not bad characteristics at all – it’s just that, I’m not into him. He belongs in the friendship bucket. Besides, I’m currently seeing a Mister Right. We don’t need a Mister Right now to get in the way, now do we?

But every time we hang out, he always PAYS for everything. He makes it clear that he’s gentlemanly, gives  me hugs, and he sends messages like “It’s so great hanging out with you. I really had a great time.” – a default post-date reminder of the potentiality of what CAN happen between us.

Not to mention, the random remarks of our potential “couplehood” – preweekend planning, sport plans, movies. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

It’s not that I don’t want to do those things.. Its just that.. I don’t want to do it with you.

I hate rejection. I hate rejecting things and getting rejected. But this time, I think calls for drastic measures. I’m rehearsing my script out loud in the hopes of a right configuration of words.

Sometimes, there’s no better way to say it. I’m just not that into you.

My vote still stays with my mister right.

- Belle