You just started talking to this guy, and after a week, he sends you this super cringeworthy text saying, “I want to taste you.” Some girls might think that’s hot, but for others, it’s just nasty. If you’re wondering what you should say back, it really depends on if you’re into him or not. Here are a few ideas.

Keep It Lighthearted

When a guy hits on you with a line like that, the best approach is to keep things light and make a joke of it. Using humor is a great way to defuse an awkward situation and steer the conversation in a more positive direction.

Say something like:

“Only if you have a taste for sarcasm!”

“Careful, I’ve been told I’m quite bitter!”

“You’ll have to buy me dinner first, Casanova!”

“You might be biting off more than you can chew.”

“Is that a pick-up line or a dinner reservation?”

“I’m not sure I’m FDA-approved for consumption.”

Your playful response will make him laugh and let you both move on to a more real talk. But only use those lines if you’re actually interested in the guy.

Get Creative With Food References

If he tells you he wants to taste you, don’t be afraid to get creative with your response. Tell him you’re too spicy for his taste or that he couldn’t handle your flavor. Maybe you’re an acquired taste only for the most sophisticated palates.

For example, you could say something like:

  • “Sorry, I’m way too zesty for you to handle.”
  • “Careful, I might be too sweet for your taste.”

You could also throw in some baking references if you prefer. Tell him:

  • “I’m not ready to be sampled just yet. I need more time to rise before you can have a taste.”
  • “I’m not a sample, I’m the whole cake!”

If he seems to be enjoying your witty responses, keep going by describing yourself as a delicious dish he’ll never get to try. For instance, say you’re “sweet like honey but hot like habanero” or you’re “forbidden fruit – too tantalizing to taste”. Have fun coming up with food and spice references to describe your allure that’s sadly out of his reach.

Turn The Tables

When a man throws out that cringey line about wanting to “taste” you, don’t get flustered. Stay calm and turn the tables on him by firing back a witty response. You’ll show him you’re quick-thinking and won’t be objectified.

Come up with a food-related retort like:

  • “Sorry, I’m not on the menu.”
  • “I’m spicy, you sure you can handle the heat?”
  • “Why, do I look like a honey or snack to you?”
  • “Does that line actually work on anyone?”
  • “Real original there, Romeo.”

If you want to be more straight-forward, just say “Nah, I’m good” or “I’m a person, not something for you to taste.” That’ll make it clear his comment was totally inappropriate.

Set Clear Boundaries

If he is making you feel uncomfortable, it’s important to lay down the law right away. Be straight up and tell them directly that his comment wasn’t cool and made you feel weird.

For example, if you’ve only known him for a little bit, just a few weeks, and he’s already saying stuff like that, it’s not appropriate and really grosses some people out.

“That was an inappropriate thing to say. Stop speaking to me like that.”

You don’t have to be polite – your comfort and safety come first. If they keep acting inappropriate even after you ask them to stop, get away from them as fast as you can. And report it to the authorities if you feel unsafe.

You deserve to feel respected, so don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Be firm in telling him his advances are unwanted. Try using “I” statements, like:

“I’m not interested in anything physical. I want to keep our relationship professional.”

Or:

“I feel disrespected when you make comments about my body or what you want to do to me. Stop immediately.”

Don’t feel bad about turning him down or like you’re being rude. You don’t owe him anything, especially not access to your body or time. Stand up straight, look him in the eye, and tell him in a strong, confident voice that their behavior needs to change if he wants to keep interacting with you.

Did He Get Mad?

If a guy gets all mad because you gave him some sass back, then just let him go. You don’t need anyone in your life who can’t respect you or sends cringey messages. Sure, if it’s your long-time partner or husband sending something like “I want to taste you,” that’s different – you have history. But if it’s some guy you barely know or just met sending that, the best thing is to block him or just not reply.