How do you say no without causing offence?

[socasa]

Here's the thing. Say a guy starts chatting you up but you're not interested. You don't want to appear like a stuck up whatsit, snob or unfriendly but know you are not attracted to them and that there's no spark. You don't accept an offer of a drink but they keep at it.

How then, without lying and saying you have a boyfrined or that you are gay, do you tell a guy you don't want to give him your number when he asks you for it and tell him despite fhim coming across as a frinedly and chatty fellow you're just not interested in going on a date with him?

I just don't want to lie. It's my new year's resolution.

I reckon most blokes just try their luck ask for the sake of it. I'm sick of giving out fake numbers and dodgying people at the bar!! I want to be upfront. What would you do?

P.S. Don't want to make out i get chatted up regularly or anything!!

[noxlumos]

Just be honest. Say
"You know your lovely but I'm not really into giving my number out to men who I don't think I can go anywhere with".
No-one will take offence at that, well I wouldn't, and it's dead upfront honest.

[LazyGun]

Polite but firm - I'm sorry, but you just don't float my boat
Helpful - Im not good enough for you.... but she is (point to the person you like least in the room)
Chav - f**k off n*bhead
Rude - Get lost dwarf/smelly/ugly/accountant (delete as appropriate)

You will have to face it socasa... no rejection you give is going to be accepted without any negative emotion. :) And lets, face it, we all take rejection personally.... its only human.
Whats the way you would most like to be rejected? Thats probably the best way to deal with it....

[WendyS]

How about something on the lines of "I'm flattered that you've asked me but I'm really not anxious to get into a relationship at the moment so please don't be offended if I pass on this one."

[China Doll]

'No, I'm sorry I don't want to give you my number, I'm not interested in you that way and I have plenty of friends.'

But then I guess I'm quite often accused if being a snob and have occasional bouts of frost...

[Emma G 1650]

I know it sounds rude but in the past i've often just turned my back on a guy - not that it ever works because then they just think you're playing hard to get! I've also tried the "i'm a lesbian" line and pointed to a female friend and said "that's my partner" big mistake!! for some reason guys like this response!!! i can't think why???!!! but the reply normally comes "oo can i watch" or "give her a kiss" this then normally proves to me that the guy in question is either v.v. drunk or he's just a complete tw*t! (and shallow!)

If i was you i would maybe tell the person in question straight, just say, look i'm really not interested in you -sounds harsh but at least it gets rid of the chavs and makes way for someone you like the look of to spark up a conversation with you. x