We’ve all been there. Well, maybe not all of us. If you haven’t, I’m really jealous.

Let me set the scene. You’re out on the town with your girls. You’re hitting the club because finals are over or going for a drink at the bar because it’s just been one of those weeks. You’re in the mood to have a good time. You make some friends, some memories and maybe even leave with a few numbered napkins. The cute guy you’ve been eyeing all night finally starts chatting you up. Next thing you know, you two have plans for next week.

Maybe the date doesn’t go so well. Maybe Mark from Starbucks finally started responding to your texts. Or maybe you’ve been rekindling an old flame. Whatever is up, cute guy you were eyeing all last weekend is on the back burner. But dude cannot take a hint. “What do I do?” you may ask. Fear not! Been there, done that. Here’s a crash course in what you’ve got to do:

1. If you’re communicating over text, try being subtle. Use words like “haha” every so often so that it seems light-hearted.

2. For my fellow iPhone users, casually turn your read receipts on.

Open settings, go into Messages, and tap that little icon you’ve been too afraid to try out until now. Turning your read receipts on is a more passive-aggressive way of saying, “I saw your text, but I’ve got better things to do than respond right now.” For non-iPhone users, open up a web browser, visit Apple’s website, and join team iPhone already.

3. If you’re anything like me, you have horrible luck and will without a doubt run into this guy the next time you go out.

Don’t stress. The name of the game is name-dropping. Learn the rules and get playing. “Oh yeah, John has really been getting on my case about texting him back. Yeah, you know John! I told you about him last time? He’s so great, love him.” John is your new best friend. You don’t even have to know a John (but chances are you do because it’s the second most popular boy name in America).

4. If there’s nothing wrong with the guy other than he’s just not the one for you, bring along one of your girlfriends the next time you go out.

You know, your nearest and dearest friend Mindy who has been in a dating slump since she dumped that skeez Jason. Mindy will love this guy! And if she doesn’t, at least he’s not your problem anymore.

5. I realize that easy is supposed the key word here, but if you’re following all of these instructions and he STILL isn’t getting the hint, just pull a Monique from "She’s the Man."

6. And finally, what to do when they get the hint.

That ladies and gents is how you send the sweet but subtle message of “I’m just not that into you!” If needed, treat these steps like you would a good shampooing.

As always, good luck on your endeavors.