Knowing what to say when someone flirts with you can feel unexpectedly difficult. You may worry about hurting feelings, giving the wrong signal, or not sounding confident in the moment.

Simple wording helps because it reduces pressure and makes your intention clear without rehearsing a performance. This article gives short, practical phrases you can use in different situations and guidance on what to avoid so you can respond in a way that feels authentic and respectful.

Why This Moment Matters

Flirting can carry many signals at once: attraction, playfulness, testing boundaries, or simply friendliness. What you say in response can change the mood, set expectations, and shape future interactions.

For you, the stakes might include protecting your comfort, maintaining a professional boundary, or encouraging a potential connection. Clear, calm responses help other people understand your boundaries and reduce awkwardness for both of you.

Useful Things to Say

Simple Responses

Thank you.
A brief, polite acknowledgement that recognizes the comment without escalating it.

I appreciate that.
Shows you heard the intent while remaining neutral about reciprocating.

I’m flattered.
A quick way to accept the compliment without committing to anything more.

That’s kind of you to say.
Puts a positive but gentle frame on the interaction and signals warmth without encouragement.

I don’t think I’m the right person for that.
Clear and concise when you want to decline interest without discussion.

Supportive Responses

I like that you were brave to say that.
Acknowledges the other person’s vulnerability while not promising a romantic response.

Thanks—right now I’m focusing on [work/school/relationships].
Gives a factual reason for keeping things platonic and redirects expectations.

I enjoy talking with you as a friend.
Sets a friendly boundary that keeps the relationship available but not romantic.

I prefer to keep this professional.
Polite and direct for workplace situations where you want to avoid personal advances.

I’m not available, but I appreciate it.
Balances honesty about availability with respectful recognition of their compliment.

Empathetic Responses

I can tell you meant that nicely; I just don’t feel the same way.
Validates their intention while being honest about your feelings.

I’m flattered, and I want to be honest so there’s no mixed signals.
Combines appreciation with clarity to reduce future confusion.

That makes me a little uncomfortable.
A truthful, low-drama statement that invites the other person to adjust their behavior.

Thank you — I’m not ready for anything romantic right now.
Offers a personal boundary without blaming the other person.

I value our connection and don’t want to risk making things awkward.
Shows you care about the relationship and are setting limits to protect it.

Light, Warm Responses

That’s sweet — you made me smile.
Friendly and positive, suitable when you’re open to playful banter but not serious escalation.

You’ve got a way with words. Tell me something else about you.
Keeps the conversation moving and gives you a chance to learn more before deciding how to respond.

Cute line — I’ll give you points for confidence.
Playful and encouraging if you want to keep things light without promising romance.

I like your sense of humor. Want to hang out as friends?
Redirects flirtation into a casual invitation that makes your intentions clear.

That was charming — I’m enjoying this chat.
Affirms the tone and keeps the interaction pleasant when you’re comfortable with it.

What Not to Say

• Don’t insult the person’s appearance or attempt to shame their attempt at flirting, because that escalates conflict and can feel hurtful.
• Avoid sarcastic put-downs meant as humor, since they often get misunderstood and can be hurtful.
• Don’t ignore the comment completely in a way that feels dismissive, as it can create awkwardness or confusion.
• Avoid giving mixed signals like flirting back if you don’t actually want to pursue anything, because that sets false expectations.
• Don’t make a public scene or call out the person aggressively, since it can humiliate them and reflect poorly on you.
• Avoid oversharing about your personal life in a reactive way, since that can complicate boundaries.

Helpful Tips for Handling the Moment

• Keep your tone steady and calm; tone often communicates intent more clearly than words.
• Respond promptly if you want to set a boundary, because delay can be read as uncertainty.
• Listen to what they actually said before interpreting motive; sometimes people are simply being friendly.
• Use body language that matches your words: step back if you want distance or smile briefly if you’re being polite.
• Name your boundary without apology when necessary, and stay consistent afterward.
• If you’re unsure, use a neutral line like “I’m not sure how to take that” to buy time and clarify later.
• Trust your instincts about safety; if you feel threatened, remove yourself and seek help or a public space.
• Follow up later if needed: a short message can clear up any accidental mixed signals and keep the relationship respectful.

Final Thought

You don’t need a perfect line to handle flirtation—being clear, respectful, and true to your feelings matters most. A simple, honest response will usually do the job and make the moment easier for both of you.

Let us know in the comments if this has helped or if you’ve got suggestions we can include

About the Author

Helen Bach is a relationship expert and writer who helps people find the right words when it matters most. She studied English and English Literature at the University of Michigan, where she developed a passion for how language shapes love, conflict, and connection.

At whattosaywhen.net, Helen writes clear, down-to-earth advice on what to say in real-life situations—from first dates and tough conversations to breakups and makeups. Her goal is simple: to make talking about feelings less awkward and a lot more honest.