An Open Letter to the Guy in the Orange Shirt Who Hit on Me Today at the Huntington Library

Dear Guy in the Orange Shirt Who Hit on Me Today at the Huntington Library,

As I was driving home, I felt a little guilty for blowing you off like that. You see, it's just weird. I'm not used to the "pick-up line" thing, or to random guys asking me out without knowing anything about me, including my name.

Don't get me wrong; part of me is flattered. The fact that you thought enough of my appearance alone was a highlight of this day, on which I had been feeling particularly end-of-a-cold "cloggy" and generally not very attractive. So, I sincerely thank you for the compliment.

But I couldn't deal with the weirdness, the pressure of the moment. I hope you understand that I felt it was my responsibility, knowing that I wasn't interested in actually going on a date with a perfect stranger, to be honest rather than wasting your time with smalltalk that would lead absolutely nowhere. I feel pretty strongly that it's wrong to be a tease, but I hope you didn't take my "I'm sorry, I'm just not interested" as some bitchy "I'm too good for you." Is there any truly non-damaging way to communicate non-interest?

Let's face it. If you knew me better, you probably wouldn't be interested either. It's not because I'm not intelligent, fun, or entertainingly quirky...

...it's mostly because of the celibacy.

And heck, to be honest, if I'd have thought fast enough, I would have played that card and made us both feel a whole lot better about our little "missed connection." But, Guy in the Orange Shirt Who Hit on Me Today at the Huntington Library, you caught me off guard.

So, please accept my apology for any unintended offense. I wish you well. Blessings to you, and good luck out there.

Sincerely,

(Not that you would know this but my name is) Jenny