By being honest and letting them down easy, you avoid playing games. If you don’t get it, don’t play games by taking that out on the next person you date.

If a potential date’s actions or words set off an internal alarm system, you owe it to yourself to pay attention and act accordingly. For example, if you’ve met someone online and they seem interesting, then you talk to them on the phone and they sound completely different (in a negative way), you may decide not to meet them in person.

They may be a fantastic person, and eventually make a great partner, but right now they’re not ready.

Your job is to pay attention to that red flag and not pursue them.

When someone’s actions are contrary to their words, this is not only a red flag, it’s gut-check time.

By paying attention and screening out potential partners whose actions don’t match their words, you cut down on wasted dating time and make it that much easier to attract potential partners worth your time and energy.