How do u tell someone you just want to be friends without it sounding awkward.

[gummybear]

So I met this guy from online last night and he's asking me out again via email. I think he's pretty cool/nice but he's not my type in terms of getting into a relationship with. At the same time, I'm new to this city and don't know many people so it wouldn't hurt to have him as an extra friend.

 

How should I reply to his email letting him know that I'm not interested in more than friends (just so I don't lead him on) but at the same time I'd like to be friends (not friends with benefits, I mean like just a friend to hang out with once in awhile). He's been on dating sites for awhile but I'm the first person he's ever met with. I don't know how he goes about dating or that he's even interested in a potential relationship with me, but just in case I want to make it clear so we're on the same page. How can I convey this in the least awkward way?

[Lucky_One]

I am not going to be able to help you with your original request, bc your other thread has sort of turned me in one particular direction.

 

So I would just suggest that you say "Thanks for the invitation, but I really didn't feel a lot of chemistry between us. Gummybear"

[manugeorge]

Perhaps you should just tell him that you apologize if you're being presumptious but if he's asking you out on a date, he should know that you don't really feel romantic chemistry between you two but you would still like to get to know him as a friend if he is interested in that.

 

It's his choice to accept or decline.