Though at this day and age, it is completely acceptable to turn down unwanted suitors. Sometimes, they do not always get the hint that you are not interested in their advances or company.

Going to the bars with friends for a girl’s night out is one of my favorite de-stressors after a long day or a long week. But when there’s that creepy or persistent zoolander type guy that just won’t give up, it puts a damper on the evening.

Well, my friends and I have come up with a couple techniques or tactics to combat the issue of unwanted male or female suitor attention.

Start talking about your cat. I mean incessantly and over the top. Every detail, every moment spent petting, grooming, feeding, or with your cat. If you don’t have a cat. You do now! Just start talking about your precious cat and how it is the center of your world. If your suitor tries to change the subject, always divert the topic back to your cat…You are going to sound absolutely nuts, and hopefully the suitor will skedaddle away.

Start coughing or fake feeling seriously ill. No suitor wants to get sick because of you. More importantly, they definitely do not want to be dealing with a sick person for the rest of the night. If the words, “I think I might be sick” or “I really don’t feel well” come out of your mouth, I bet they will be gone in a jiffy.

Instead of making eye contact with your suitor, stare at their ear. It makes for an extremely uncomfortable conversation. They will be able to tell that you are not making eye contact, but not where you are looking. It is also very unsettling for your suitor because they might not know if you are paying attention or if it is something wrong with them. They will lose interest or be too uncomfortable and dash away from the conversation.

Lean in close to your suitor, place your hand on their arm or shoulder, act very concerned, and ask “are you alright” and “have you been crying tonight?” It’s important to play up your genuine concern for them. You are creating a situation of tension where there was not one. More so, you will throw them off balance because it's about them and not you. They will become defensive and hopeful the conversation will cease from there. Bye bye suitor, as they scurry away.

Have one of your friends pretend to be your girlfriend of boyfriend. Unwanted suitors will FINALLY get a hint and go away when you have a significant other present. If worst comes to worst, play up a relationship amongst your friends. Holds hands, get a little bit huggy, maybe a couple kisses on the cheeks, and whisper some sweet nothings to each. If this does not get the suitor gone then something is seriously wrong…

You can always ask the bartender or bouncer to help fend of unwarranted attention for suitors. Especially if you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working. It is their job and they will be understanding if you preface it with the fact that your suitor does not make you feel comfortable.

Lastly, and my personal favorite: being super blunt. If you have tried all methods of cordial letdown, it is time to say “get lost”. Maybe not those words exactly, but find a way to bow out of the conversation or say something that will not be misinterpreted. Be blunt! Make sure your suitor knows you are not interested at all.

Make sure to still be nice, we do not want to break too many hearts, but be direct and make sure you stand up for yourself. Have yourself some fun at the bars, but be safe and hopefully you won’t come across the zoolander type because they really are not fun to deal with.