In the grand scheme of things, there’s nothing quite as annoying as having to deal with an unwanted flirt.
You’re just sitting there, thinking to yourself. “Here we go again.”—how should you respond this time?
Be it an ex, a friend, or a complete stranger who thinks they’re a flirt master, we can’t help but want to chase them off using pitchforks.
But since pitchforks aren’t exactly an option, we can repel unwanted flirting by text messages!
Having doubts? Give these text messages a try—they will surely help you ward off annoying flirts.
Stopping unwanted flirting 101: How to behave when responding to a self-proclaimed pick-up artist.
Unwanted flirting requires a special type of patience—it takes a lot to deal with a person who constantly tries to make romantic advances.
They’re desperately trying to crawl their way out of the friend-zone, despite the other person’s desire to keep them there.
However, there’s a handful of approaches you can try when handling persistent people like this.
And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about!
– Tell the flirt directly (but politely) that you’re not interested.
If you’re looking for a way not to hurt the flirt’s feelings, consider politely and directly telling them you’re not interested.
Be honest and straightforward—don’t let yourself be pressured to reciprocate the flirting.
Lay the facts out and tell this person you’re not interested in pursuing a deeper relationship with them.
Politely tell them how the deal is, and why their flirting is a bother—no matter how they take this, know that you’re being the mature one.
– You can try using humor to soften the situation.
You can never go wrong with humor, right?
Consider using humor to take away from the awkwardness of the situation—if you want to, of course.
Crack jokes or have an overall comedic stance towards flirting. With enough luck, they might get the hint and leave you alone.
This way you’re telling him to go away, without actually having to say it out loud—it’s worth a shot!
Pro tip: update the flirt whenever you have to use the restroom. They love that!
– Have an indifferent, almost professional approach.
If you’re not into the person who’s *attempting* to flirt with you, don’t show any emotion.
Some people take even the smallest hint of kindness as flirting—an indifferent, cold approach is the way to go with persistent flirts.
Be professional from start to finish regarding your dislike towards the person’s behavior and flirting.
Do not, I repeat, do NOT reciprocate no matter how bad you feel as this will only make matters worse.
– Be intentionally dry.
And fingers crossed, the flirt will lose interest.
Send dry, short, uninteresting replies and delay them as much as possible—be a bad texter, basically.
Abandon your usual charming, fun self whenever you’re talking to this specific person.
Send one-word replies, respond with a singular emoji, or shoot a simple “lol”—anything that’ll make the flirt leave you alone.
– Tell them you’re in a relationship—even if you’re not.
Yes, I’m asking you to lie—but in some cases, it’s the only solution!
And even so, some flirty people don’t give up.
Tell the flirt that you’re already in a relationship or interested in somebody and can’t return their feelings.
While you’re at it, tell them that you can no longer talk to them out of love and respect for your significant other.
Luckily, this might work!
– Put an end to unwelcome flirting by switching the topic altogether!
Pull a switcheroo and change the topic altogether.
This comes in handy whenever that one friend continues their shenanigans—redirect their attention elsewhere.
Don’t stay on the topic of them flirting, instead, ask about how their day went, or follow up on something you were previously talking about.
Hopefully, they have the attention span of a squirrel and forget about the flirting.
That, or they take the hint.
– Indirectly make it known that you’re not interested.
“I’m so over romance right now. I’m going to focus on the more important stuff in life!”
Something like this will make them stop and think for a minute; make it known you’re not interested in flirting.
If this person is hoping to take your acquaintanceship to another level, knowing that you’re not interested could make them pull the brakes.
Let the flirt put the pieces together themselves—unless they’re absolutely clueless, they’ll know what you mean.
– Be awkward, make them feel awkward.
This is undoubtedly my favorite way of chasing unwanted flirts away.
Let’s be real, nobody likes being in awkward situations—not even the most persistent flirts!
Whenever you receive unwanted flirty texts, act awkward and clueless.
“What do you mean by that? I don’t get it?”
“Why are you saying that? I don’t understand!”
“Wow, I can’t believe someone’s flirting with me! I’m going to tell my mom!”
“👽.”
Two can play this game: it’s not fair for you to be the only one feeling uncomfortable!
– The sacred friend zone: repeatedly friend-zone them.
Or better yet, sibling-zone them.
When being called “bro” and “friend” often enough, flirts are bound to lose interest.
Really push the narrative of seeing them as a friend and nothing more—don’t back down.
– Ask them to stop.
Be straightforward and tell them to stop—explain how uncomfortable their constant flirting is making you feel.
There’s no need to hold back in this aspect, as it is common sense to not overstep a person’s boundaries.
– Don’t reply at all—end the conversation.
Don’t reply to their bothersome texts at all—don’t feel pressured to do so.
Leave them on read, or better yet, do not even open their messages.
The moment they start disrupting your peace, there’s no need for you to give them your precious time.
– And if it gets too bad, block them.
When the flirting gets too disturbing, block them.
There’s no need to explain yourself or anything like that; it’s their fault for not being considerate towards you.
It is not your duty to explain the meaning of the word “no”—there are plenty of dictionaries that do that.
Cut the people who disrespect you out of your life and show them that creepy behavior has consequences.
The perfect way to respond to unwanted flirty texts: 63 fitting examples.
1. “I’m flattered that you feel that way! However, I am not interested in deepening our connection.”
2. “I would really appreciate it if you stopped with the constant flirting. It’s making me feel uncomfortable.”
3. “Is flirting with uninterested people your hobby? You’ve gotten quite good at it.”
4. “I can’t believe you’re actually flirting with me! I thought they used these cheesy pick-up lines only on TV.”
5. “Don’t you just hate flirts? I was dealing with a persistent one last week and I had to block them. How sad.”
6. “You better not be flirting with me, haha! You’re one of my closest friends and I would hate for that to be lost.”
7. “So…what’s your favorite type of cheese? I personally like Limburger because it’s so stinky!”
8. “Wait, can we finish this a bit later? I need to use the restroom. I seriously need to stop eating spicy food. ☹️💨”
9. “Can you just stop flirting? It’s seriously making me feel uneasy now.”
10. “The last thing I’m looking for right now is any kind of relationship. I’m so done with them.”
11. “OMG, are you flirting with me? It better be my imagination, haha.”
12. “Lol, thanks.”
13. “I’ve never thought of you that way. We’ve known each other for so long, you’re like a brother to me.”
14. “That’s very sweet of you! The compliments and all, but I want to make sure we’re on the same page here. I’m not looking for anything serious right now.”
15. “Thank you for the compliment! You’re such a dear friend.❤️”
16. “Haha, if I were a magician, I’d make your lame pick-up lines disappear. Seriously, stop.”
17. “Haven’t I told you? I’m lactose intolerant, so your cheesy pickup lines are making me sick. Stop.🤢”
18. “Your kind comments are appreciated, but unnecessary. I would appreciate it if you stopped making them. It’s making me uncomfortable.”
19. “I honestly don’t know how often I need to tell you this, but can you stop making inappropriate comments? I don’t like them, and you’re seriously making me feel uneasy.”
20. Send the flirt a link to an online dictionary explaining the meaning of no: “Since you don’t seem to understand what “no” means.”
21. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you’re flirting with me. That’s not it, right? We’re good friends.”
22. “Blegh! It’s so hot today. I just took my socks off and they smell like absolute garbage. I’m sorry, what were you saying? The smell made me dizzy, lol.🤮”
23. “Thank you for flirting with me!”
24. “Are you flirting with me? Because if so, can you stop? I have a boyfriend/girlfriend and you’re making us uncomfortable.”
25. “You’ve been flirting with me lately, and it’s making me think you have a thing for me! And just to be sure, I wanted to tell you that I’m not interested in dating right now.”
26. “K, thanks. Anyways, how did you do on the test?”
27. “That’s nice of you! By the way, how’s your boyfriend/girlfriend doing? I saw him/her the other day.”
28. If they call you often, have your partner answer the phone.
29. “My partner and I say ‘thanks’!”
30. “Haha, stop flirting with me! It’s weird. You’re my friend.”
31. “I saw this show on TV about pick-up artists. So lame. I hate people who try to get men/women by flirting with them.”
32. “Listen, [their name]. You’re a good co-worker and all, but I don’t feel comfortable with your constant flirting. I’ve asked you multiple times to stop, and I’m hoping to not get HR involved.”
33. “What a sweet thing to say! Now, to take a break from the annoying flirting…how are your papers coming along?”
34. “I’m seeing someone right now, so your flirting is making me uncomfortable.”
35. “I think you’re a nice person, but this flirting is getting out of hand.”
36. “It looks like we view each other in two very different lights. I’m not interested in flirting with you.”
37. “Can you annoy me with your flirting another time? I’m not in the mood.😐”
38. “You’re flirting AGAIN?? Seriously? Do you never get tired of acting this way even though I’ve told you to stop like, a million times?”
39. “Don’t let me catch you trying to get out of the friend zone again!🤣”
40. “You flatter me! I have to say, though, your flirty nature is making me feel more and more uncomfortable with each passing day. I’m going to ask you to stop now.”
41. “What are you doing? I have someone already. I don’t like your behavior one bit.”
42. “That’s sweet, however, that’s not how co-workers are supposed to talk to each other. I’m going to ask you to stop.”
43. “Why is it that whenever I ask you to stop, you never listen to me? I don’t want to have HR involved in this, but you leave me no choice.”
44. “Oh, wow! Would you look at the time? It’s stop-flirting-with-me-already o’clock.”
45. “My dog just made the biggest poop! Do you want to see it? This has got to be a world record.”
46. “Alright! Cool. By the way, did you see the new movie that just came out?”
47. Reply with ONLY out-of-context emojis. Not one single word. Just emojis! Trust me.
48. “I didn’t get that message. What did you say?”
“I still can’t read it. Come again?
“That’s odd, I can’t see any of your texts.”
49. “Hey, can you stop flirting with me? I was hoping you would stop without me having to say anything, but it wasn’t going to happen.”
50. “I’m flattered you think so highly of me, but can you give the flirting a rest? I’m not in a place in life where I feel like flirting with other people. I’d appreciate it if you stopped.”
51. “I’m so angry with my friend. This dude has been flirting with her non-stop. I HATE people like that.”
52. “Uhm…okay?”
53. “Uhm…thank you, I guess? 😶”
54. “Thank you! Oh, by the way, I saw [their spouse’s name] while I was out. he/she told me you two are trying for a baby?”
55. “Woah, woah! Stop it right there! I didn’t sign up for flirting.”
56. “Take it easy with the flirting. We’re only friends, and I don’t flirt with my friends.”
57. “I feel like your flirting habits have gotten worse lately. I’m not interested in pursuing any kind of relationship if that’s what you’re thinking of.”
58. “In case you’re flirting with me, know that flirting makes me extremely uncomfortable. Just putting it out there.”
59. “Woah, I’ve never seen such bad flirting from a person. You’re like a celebrity. Can I have an autograph?😆”
60. “I don’t think I appreciate your so-called flirting. Can you stop? Thanks.”
61. “You’re a good guy/girl, and all, but the flirting has got to go. Not only am I in a relationship with someone, but you and I are only friends.
62. “Wait…is this flirting I see? Haha, you better cut it out! I dislike flirty people.”
63. “You’re such a sweet person, and the compliments are much appreciated! However, I don’t feel comfortable with us two flirting. Our relationship isn’t like that.”
Unwelcome flirting is tricky to get rid of…
Some people truly don’t take “no” for an answer—this is where things get difficult.
I would say that a handful of flirts don’t simply give up on their own, so they need a good word or two.
When responding to unwanted flirting, put your foot down and don’t minimize your feelings.
And if your attempts are futile (or even seem to be making the flirting worse), don’t waste your time on such people—kick them out of your life.
Sincerely,
Callisto
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