Setting Up A "No Strings Attached" Date

Q: How can I get a guy to go out with me as a friend and not a "date" without making him feel uncomfortable about addressing this matter prior to getting together?

A very good question and definitely a sensitive topic to address with someone you may not know well. Hold off on stating "this is not a date" until after the first get together (and hopefully at that point you won't have to). First gauge how he reacts to the suggestions below, plus you don't want to make assumptions before anything has even happened, it could start off the outing or experience in a negative way.

The way you go about asking a guy to get together will play a significant role in how much you have to actually address the "this is not a date" issue. Keep the invite and venue very casual. Extend the invite in passing or through a quick phone call or email, keep the plans very basic such as stopping by a local cafe or catching a sporting event. During one of the conversations drop in the fact that it's great to meet new friends to hang out with socially. Dress modestly and keep the body language in tact, so as not to send off conflicting signals. At the end of the outing keep the good-bye very brief and matter of fact. If he doesn't get the hints, direct communication is your most obvious option and will be the most effective approach. If he is looking for more than what you are, be genuine and direct in your approach: I'm flattered but friendship is the only commitment I am ready for, I hope you understand and want to continue to be friends.

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