Even if I’m not looking for “the one,” I try to be sensitive with how I treat other gay men socially.

Ghosting isn’t always about serious dating; sometimes it’s about more casual connections.

I think it’s always a good idea to try to validate somebody else’s experience. If I’m not interested in continuing or establishing a relationship of some kind, I always make sure I put it on me.

“I’m really flattered you’re interested. You’re sexy/handsome/sweet/intelligent (fill in the appropriate blanks), but I’m just not in the right place at the moment. And it would do neither of us a favor to pretend otherwise.”

I find a statement like that to be kind and necessary even if it’s just about turning down an offer of casual significance.