Rejection is never easy, even if you are the one who has to reject someone else. You probably feel guilty because you will have to hurt that person's feelings, but it's better to renounce someone than to deceive them. You should know how to reject someone nicely so that they can cope with it much easier. All you have to do is to be honest, but merely honesty is not enough. Here's how to turn someone down in eight different ways without hurting them much. The difficult situation is inevitable, but all you need is courage. Let's see how to dismiss someone nicely.
1. Reject through texts if you don't want to do it face-to-face
A lot of people may have told you that you should always renounce someone face-to-face. Well, I don't think so. Leaving someone and breaking up a long relationship should be done in such a manner, but rejecting someone is not so serious. Therefore, don't worry if you just call someone or send them a message. I think it will be easier for both of you, so you don't have to be in an awkward situation. I suggest you call that person. It will take more courage, but it will be more personal. But a text message is fine, as well. You can apologize (even if you've done nothing wrong, the person will just feel better) and tell them why you reject them.
2. Choose your words carefully
Even if you decide to speak with someone in person, the principle should be the same: be honest, but don't be too straightforward. If the reason for your rejection will certainly make them feel under the weather, try not to lie to them, but to tell them the truth in the nicest way possible. If you want to know how to turn someone down without hurting them, this is one of the main things you should keep in mind. Honesty indeed is important, but sometimes it can be too overwhelming. Don't say anything that will lower someone's self-esteem, for example. It can leave detrimental consequences on them. Choose your words wisely, but avoid lying as much as you can. Everybody deserves to know why they have been rejected, so they can work on themselves and become better. If you have no particular reason for rejecting them, even better. Just tell them that you haven't clicked and that it's not because they aren't good enough.
3. Keep it simple and clear
Don't make a 2-hour long conversation out of something you can do in less than 30 minutes. That person probably doesn't want to participate in it, so just be as brief as you can, but don't just say a few words and vanish. It's enough just to plainly explain why you reject them and be nice. Listen to what they have to say and try to end the conversation after you realize you have nothing new to add. Don't repeat the same sentence over and over.
4. Don't leave false hope and don't deceive them
Under no circumstances should you try to make that person wait for you and still have hope. Hope is a wonderful thing, but disappointment they will feel after they realize that you won't come back will cut them to the quick, trust me. Leaving someone with false hope is a selfish thing to do since you will avoid an unpleasant situation successfully, but leave them to suffer in the long run. If you don't want to hurt someone, then never tell them words like "someday", "maybe later", or something like "I will think about it". If you know that you won't, then don't lie to them. When they discover that you've actually never meant to be with them, they will certainly get mad at you.
5. Remember that you have no fault
We all feel guilty when we have to reject someone. It's hard, I know, but it's for the greater good. Some people are not meant to be together, and going separate ways is a completely normal thing to do. You've been rejected as well, I suppose, and you know what it's like. But imagine that person being with you just because they feel sorry for you. Not liking someone back is not something you should feel guilty about. I've mentioned apologizing before. It's a polite thing to do, but it's not necessary.
6. Give them a chance to answer you
You have to hear them out. They will probably have something to say. It can be quite overwhelming, but if you want to turn someone down nicely, then you will have to listen to them. Maybe they may ask a lot of questions, for example, or they may also beg you to give them a chance. Nonetheless, answer them and explain the situation again. You can stop talking to them only if they aren't listening to what you have said. If they keep convincing you, you can apologize and leave them be. But don't do that if you really don't have to.
7. Don't ghost them
I know a lot of people who literally just vanish, because it's easier to just go away and hide, than explaining such a thing to someone. Don't be one of them. Ghosting people is a sign of weakness, so don't let yourself be a coward. At least, you can message that person and be quick, but never leave them with no explanation whatsoever. They will probably think that they've done something wrong, probably for a long time. This will hurt them vastly since we all tend to think about the worst possible scenarios. Let that person know what's going on. It's not difficult nor time-consuming, so find the time to talk to them and don't just run away from everything.
8. Tell them nice things and always be polite
You should mention their good traits, talents, or appearance if you find them great or attractive. Don't be dishonest, though. Make them feel as good as they can feel in that situation. Even if they lash out at you, don't get upset. People are different, and you never know what kind of reaction you will get, but remember to always stay calm and be polite. You are not the one who gets rejected, don't forget that.
Summary
These are the things you should know about how to reject a guy or a girl if you don't want to be with them. Also, that person will need some time to cool off and accept your decision. You should even combine all these steps in order not to excessively hurt someone. I wish you luck!