Five Ways to Avoid an Awkward Hookup
If you’re getting butterflies, odds are it’s time to go.
by EMILY MULLAKANDOV ★ OCTOBER 1, 2021
Have you ever been nice to someone and they thought you were flirting? Or participated in a ~friendly~ game of beer pong and your victory was misunderstood as a “seduction method?” Or ever literally just said hello to someone at a party and they decided that meant it was time to smooch? Trust me, we’ve all been there.
I asked a bunch of my girlfriends (and some guy friends too, you know, for perspective) about what their most effective methods for avoiding hookups are. They all agreed upon these five basic tips. They’re quick, they’re efficient, and most importantly, you won’t hate yourself an hour later.
#1: Uhhh… I’m In a Relationship
Simply say that you’re in a committed relationship. For some reason, telling a guy that you’re in a relationship seems to work. I guess the so-called “bro code” carries a lot more weight than the word “no.” Guys tend to respect other guys that can keep a girl in college. They know that long-distance is a hustle and they respect the fact that a hot girl would remain loyal in college.
Credit: Pinterest
#2: The Period Card
If you’re a girl trying to avoid a guy, you can ALWAYS play the period card — it isn’t only good for getting out of gym class. Guys get weird when they find out that a girl is on her period. To guys, girls are already confusing. Adding a period to the equation makes all the rumors they’ve heard suddenly become true (“ugh, that girl will become clingy, fall in love with me, cause a scene, whine...”). Men know less about women than they think. When they hear that you’re on your period, they don’t know what to expect. They’ve heard the horror stories, so you can either throw a temper tantrum or burst into tears. Odds are that he won’t want to put up with any of it.
Credit: Firstpost
#3: Code Word
Have a code word with a friend. This works if you’re at a party or even if you’re alone. Just send a simple letter or code word via text message to one of your girls who’s either at the same party or in the same building as you are (sharing your location with your friends before going out is always a good move). By looking at your phone, you’re already showing disinterest. Sending a simple letter or word, like “k” or “flower,” lets your bestie know that you need to leave ASAP. After she finds you? GET THE HELL OUT.
Credit: Pinterest
#4: The Swift Exit... a.k.a RUN
Find something and fixate on it. I know this sounds weird, but hear me out — I'm definitely speaking from experience. Find something in the room that you can get on your own or something he can offer to get for you. It could be a drink or even that easy mac and cheese that you spontaneously were craving and remembered you really wanted. If the guy decides he wants to act all macho and get it for you, that gives you the perfect opportunity to make a run for it.
Credit: Pinterest
#5: Be Confident
Girl, just say how you feel. Be honest with him. It’s not like you need to impress him, you need to get away from him! Tell him you’re not into him or that he’s not your type. You have to be confident in your decision and say it like it is. He might ask again, but you just have to be firm in your response. You know what you want and now it’s time to let him know, too.
Credit: Pinterest
Never force yourself to do something you’re not interested in. Listen to your mind and body (butterflies aren’t always a good thing). There will always be guys attempting to “get with you” but, unfortunately, not all of them look like Chad Michael Murray or young Brad Pitt. Hopefully, these tips help you avoid that guy. DON’T settle for the frog when you’re the queen.
Cover Photo Credit: Refinery29