At least respond (22)

So, most of us are on here to meet someone. In order to do that one must make contact. CS has provided a couple of ways to do that, send a message or send a flower. So, tell me people, what is the polite thing to do when you see a message in your mailbox/flowerbox, but you aren't necessarily interested in that person? Should you not even open it (I have encountered this often)? Should you just delete it? Or, should you respond with something like, "thank you for your interest, unfortunately I don't feel the same way", or, "you aren't what I am looking for." Yeah, that sucks, but at least it is nice courtesy, don't you think? Imagine getting up the courage in a bar to ask a lovely woman to dance and she simply turned her head and ignored you. Isn't this similar to the deleting of the message? Hey, I get it if the guy continues to bother you, then he has to be ignored, but a first contact, is that proper ettiquette? Just wondering.

Hmmmm. I agree. I think it is very rude not to at least send some response or acknowledgment. I usually just answer with either a return flower and a thank you but not encouraging anything else or with an email saying thank you but not interested right now and good luck to them.
Seems to work. Don't like hurting peoples feelings if it can be avoided.

Absolutely...I always reply no matter what..unless its obvious that they are a scammer...even if you just send a note saying thank you...at least you have acknowledged them...

Oh but do remember one thing.
This is a Canadian forum We are a fairly friendly and polite crowd. If you're playing in the International scene sometimes a bit thicker skin is required.

I think it would be nice to just open and say thanks, if not interested i might delete futher ones,don't let it offend you,god's sakes i still come back ??

I think if someone chooses to send a message to someone that clearly has indicated they are in a relationship, are here just for the forums, or who clearly does not meet the characteristics outlined in the profile, then they should not expect a response.

I agree. I clearly stated on my profile that I am no longer available but still get messages. I wonder sometime if they even read the profile or if it is just one copy and pasted message sent out to many. Yes it is polite to respond but in some cases a response is not necessary. I have had many that have not responded to me and it has not ruined my life or given me some sort of complex. If you can't handle rejection then you should not be on a date site.

hi,
yes, I think you should always reply unless you are getting like a thousand a day or something and it's physically impossible. I always reply. I say sorry I'm not interested. That's it. If they write back or want a reason, then I may say something, otherwise not necessary to do so. You don't need a reason. A reply is courteous. I prefer one even if it's not favourable. I've been on another site where they haven't replied but you know they've read the email, I wrote back and said where did you learn your manners. Or if you send a gift and get no reply, that is just rude or cowardice.
Cheryl.