Keep it straightforward. “I usually go about being very direct, just telling the person I’m not interested,” says Gerald Elbasani, who, according to Tinder, is one of the most right-swiped users, or desired matches, on the app in the United States. Honesty is ideal; it shows respect for the other person’s time and intentions. Don’t give false excuses — you’ve been really busy on the job, for example, or you’re just extremely tired — because those offer follow-up openings when your work project or nap is done. Be direct and concise about your lack of interest; drawing it out doesn’t help anyone.

Give specific reasons. If you are genuinely not interested in someone — you don’t see any shared interests or just don’t “vibe” with the person — say so. If you like him or her, but things have started to heat up with someone else, share that information. There is no need to pledge enduring friendship if you have no intention of maintaining any sort of relationship.

Throw some sugar on the message. Elbasani likes to provide what he calls “a little booster” in order to cushion the blow. A bit of levity, or even just a smiley-face emoji, can go a long way. Make it genuine — something like “This has been a great conversation but ...” or “You seem like a really cool person but ...” can be effective. Avoid treacle, though, so as not to sow confusion about your intentions.

Don’t overthink your language. Some people might draft a message and run it past close friends in a group text, but that can drag things out. You’re only composing a couple of sentences. Elbasani’s foolproof line is “I don’t think this is a match,” which, he says, has never elicited a bad response. (And if your suitor doesn’t take no for an answer, it’s fine to unmatch or block that person.)