Question

Suppose you are on a first date with someone you know from school. You are going out to get something to eat. Before you head to the restaurant, you tell your date that you need to be home at a certain time. He agrees. But as the night goes on, he asks you to stay out much later than you want. He says you should both go to a party and meet some other friends.

You decide that you don't want to be out with someone who didn't pay attention to the time you said you needed to be home. How do you end the date?

Answer 1

1. Remain calm and composed: Before addressing the issue, take a moment to gather your thoughts and emotions. It's essential to approach the situation with a clear mind.

2. Express your concerns: Politely let your date know that you had agreed on a specific time to be home, and it's important for you to stick to that commitment. Use "I" statements to express your feelings rather than pointing fingers or placing blame. For example, say, "I'm sorry, but I need to stick to the time we agreed on. It's important for me to be home by then."

3. Explain your reasons: Share the reasons behind your decision without sounding confrontational or defensive. This will help your date understand your perspective. You can say something like, "I have some responsibilities and commitments that require me to be home on time, and I want to honor those."

4. Suggest an alternative: Offer a compromise or an alternative plan that respects your need to be home on time. For example, you can suggest enjoying a shorter activity together or rescheduling for another time when you can spend more time together. Say something like, "I understand you want to go to the party, but could we do something else that won't keep me out too late? Maybe we can grab a quick dessert or coffee instead?"

5. Be firm and assertive: If your date continues to insist on staying out later or tries to pressure you into changing your plans, it's important to stand your ground. Reiterate your boundaries and communicate that you have made up your mind. Firmly state, "I appreciate your understanding, but I need to stick to my original plan. I hope you can respect that."

6. End the date gracefully: Depending on the situation and your comfort level, you can choose to end the date at this point or continue spending time together within your agreed-upon time limit. Regardless, maintain your composure and end the date on a positive note. Thank your date for the time you spent together and express your desire to see them again in the future, if applicable.

Step-by-step explanation: