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When “No” Isn’t Enough: The Struggle of Rejecting Persistent Guys

We’ve all been there. You’re minding your business, maybe just trying to grab a coffee or waiting for your Uber, when a guy approaches and asks for your number. You’re polite, but firm—“No, I’m not interested.” But instead of respecting your answer, he lingers. Maybe he laughs it off, acts like you’re joking, or, worst of all, refuses to take no for an answer.

And then comes that move.

He whips out his phone, smiles like he’s doing you a favor, and says, “Just give me your number, and I’ll call you so you have mine.”

Um… excuse me?!

The Pressure of the “Just Give Me Your Number” Move

In that moment, your brain scrambles. Should you give him a fake number? Your friend’s? But what if he calls it on the spot? The sheer audacity of him assuming you’ll cave is frustrating enough, but now you’re stuck in an uncomfortable situation where rejecting him again might lead to a bigger scene.

And that’s the problem, isn’t it? It’s not just about saying no—it’s about the fact that your no isn’t being respected in the first place.

Why Some Guys Just Won’t Take the Hint

For some reason, certain guys act like getting your number is a game they just have to win. They see persistence as “charming” instead of pushy, completely ignoring the fact that pressuring someone into giving out their number is not the foundation of a good interaction.

Sometimes, they truly think that if they just keep asking, you’ll eventually change your mind. Other times, they don’t care about your comfort at all—they just want what they want, and they’ll keep pushing until they get it. Either way? It’s a huge red flag.

How to Handle It Without Feeling Trapped

If you’ve ever felt cornered in this situation, you’re not alone. It’s exhausting having to navigate a guy’s ego just to avoid unnecessary drama. Here are a few ways to handle it without having to resort to getting a second phone:

• Stand your ground. A firm “I said no, and I’m not changing my mind” can shut things down quickly. It might feel harsh, but you don’t owe anyone your number.
• Use the “I don’t give my number out” line. This shifts the rejection away from him personally and onto a general boundary. Some guys take this better than a direct no.
• Redirect to social media (if you’re comfortable). If you feel pressured but don’t want to give your number, offering something less personal (like an Instagram handle) can be a safer way out.
• Walk away. If he won’t back off, don’t feel bad about removing yourself from the situation. Your safety and comfort come first.

The Bigger Issue: Respecting Boundaries

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about awkward encounters—it’s about basic respect. A guy who ignores your first “no” isn’t someone worth engaging with. And let’s be real—if a relationship did start this way, do you really think he’d be great at respecting your boundaries in the future? Probably not.

So to all the guys out there: if she says no, just let it go. No forcing, no guilt-tripping, no weird persistence. Respect her answer and move on—because trust me, nothing is less attractive than a guy who just won’t take the hint.