Take rejection gracefully.

You naturally appear less pitiful, maintain a stronger mindset, avoid poisoning wells and it also apparently allows you to pass a rare type of ‘shit test’ (and one which makes perfect sense since the way a man handles rejection speaks volumes to his character - why would a high-value emotionally mature man feel the need to sulk or harass a woman after being turned down?)

I always make it a point to be gallant and good natured when rejected. I’ll say something facetious to the effect “well if you need me I’ll be binge watching rom coms and eating ice cream from a tub” or in the case of a nightclub or bar then something slightly more suggestive “you’re missing out on the most average 40 seconds of your life but very well enjoy your night” or a respectful message sent online; “no hard feelings at all, enjoyed chatting and still think we’d have fun hanging out sometime so if you ever feel up for it let me know :)”

Often it ends there, but on more than one occasion it’s resulted in them noticeably becoming more interested in me, and asking questions that have led to a date or at the very least receiving their sacred digits. Recently, after sending a wholesome message to a girl whom had told me that she was ‘too busy with life’, she immediately replied “actually I can squeeze you in on Sunday night if that works for you” which of course never would have been on offer had I responded with a snarky retort “thanks for wasting our time” or enquiring pathetically as some men do “what happened? was it something i said?”. I have on a few occasions replied with something vitriolic and any satisfaction disappeared in about 10 seconds and I was left feeling like a juvenile asshole.

I’ve also had a few women offer to act as a wingwoman for me and introduce me to other women around the place or even their single friends after I took their rejection with humour and grace.

And again, there’s a myriad of other benefits; you’ll feel far more calm and in control of yourself regardless of their response, and you won’t needlessly make an enemy of someone who might just end up being your cashier or nurse or colleague someday. It’s a small world and even smaller when you burn bridges.

Don’t operate with the expectation that they will have a change of heart but in any case it’s the best way to optimise one’s chances of having a successful interaction while maintaining self respect.