What's the kindest way to tell someone you don't want to see them anymore?

Basically he was an incredibly nice guy but there was no chemistry on the first date. I'm generally patient about this so I went on two more dates with him hoping something might develop. It never came and I was starting to feel like each date revealed we had less and less to talk about and fewer commonalities than I might have hoped.

I am an honest person and would like to simply say that I think he's a great guy, but I don't see a romantic connection forming.
[QUOTE]^ This

I know this sounds like a potentially stupid question, but I'm asking because I'd like different opinions outside of my circle of friends. I've been on three dates with an eHarmony match. Basically he was an incredibly nice guy but there was no chemistry on the first date. I'm generally patient about this so I went on two more dates with him hoping something might develop. It never came and I was starting to feel like each date revealed we had less and less to talk about and fewer commonalities than I might have hoped.

I don't find this to be a big deal when we're both on the same page but he's made it pretty clear he's interested in seeing me again and thinks there is going to be another date.

I am an honest person and would like to simply say that I think he's a great guy, but I don't see a romantic connection forming. However my guy friend basically poo pooed this and suggested I was better off feeding him one of those typical lines to spare his feelings, i.e. something along the lines of I realized that I'm not ready to date yet after my breakup with my ex.

What's your take? I'd much prefer NOT to lie because I will be dating other people and feel like lying is just an invitation to be caught later. I also want to make it very clear that I don't want to continue seeing him, but he really is awesome and has been nothing but respectful and nice and I'd like to spare his feelings.

Also trying to figure out when do to it. Do I wait until he tries to schedule another date or proactively reach out to him and let him know? At this point we are definitely NOT exclusive so timing shouldn't impact whether or not he dates other people, but personally I think I'd rather deal with it sooner rather than later.

Thanks.

Dear Incredibly Nice Guy,
Welcome to Dumpsville, Population: You!


Don't lie. Don't cop out. Don't feed him lame lines like "I think you're a great guy" or "You'll be a great catch for somebody." Just a simple "I'm not feeling it and I think it's best if I move on."

Do it now, don't wait for him to ask you out again, and especially don't avoid/delay doing this (I know you weren't planning to and all; just sayin').