If they still don’t get it after this, they never will.
They just don’t get it, do they? You’ve dropped hints the size of boulders, yet somehow, they keep missing the point. Maybe they’re oblivious, or maybe they just refuse to take a hint because it benefits them to stay clueless. Either way, it’s beyond frustrating.
When subtlety fails, sometimes the only option left is to be hilariously, brutally direct. If you’re tired of dancing around the truth, these responses will make sure your message finally lands—loud and clear.
1. “Wow, you’re really committed to not getting it.”
At this point, it’s almost impressive. They’ve ignored every hint, dodged every clue, and somehow still think persistence will work. Pointing out their refusal to catch on might finally snap them out of it. If not, at least you’ve acknowledged their impressive—yet infuriating—dedication to being oblivious. Sometimes, sarcasm is the only language people like this understand.
2. “I could not be more obvious unless I held up a neon sign.”
You’ve tried subtle. You’ve tried direct. You’ve tried everything short of skywriting your feelings in the clouds. If they still don’t get it, a little exaggeration might help drive the point home. This response puts the spotlight on their complete lack of awareness while also making it clear you’re done playing games.
3. “I admire your optimism, but it’s really misplaced.”
It’s almost sweet how hopeful they are. Unfortunately, their optimism isn’t going to change the reality of the situation. This response is a polite, yet brutal way to let them know their persistence is pointless. And if they still don’t get it? Well, at least you tried to be nice before you had to get even blunter.
4. “I feel like you and reality need to get reacquainted.”
They’re living in their own little world where your hints don’t exist. Maybe it’s time to remind them that, in this reality, you’re not interested, not available, or just plain not in the mood to entertain their nonsense. It’s a funny but firm way to call out their refusal to acknowledge what’s right in front of them.
5. “If ignoring hints was an Olympic sport, you’d take gold.”
Sometimes, people need to hear just how ridiculous they’re being. This response keeps things lighthearted while still making it painfully clear that their lack of awareness isn’t going unnoticed. Maybe calling them out in a playful way will finally make them realize it’s time to back off. If not, at least you had fun saying it.
6. “Oh, you’re still here? That’s… persistent.”
This one says it all. You’re not impressed. You’re not amused. And you’re definitely not interested. It’s the verbal equivalent of raising an eyebrow and giving them an unimpressed stare. If they don’t catch the hint after this, it might be time to just walk away.
7. “I love how you pretend I haven’t already answered this.”
If they keep asking the same thing over and over, acting like your previous responses didn’t count, it’s time to call them out. This response makes it clear that their tactics aren’t fooling anyone. You’ve already given them an answer—repeatedly. At this point, they’re just embarrassing themselves.
8. “I’d explain it again, but I’m fresh out of patience.”
They had their chance to understand you the first time. And the second. And the third. If they still don’t get it, that’s not your problem anymore. This response makes it clear you’re done repeating yourself and that their inability to take a hint is now just wasting your time.
9. “I’d sugarcoat it, but I think you’d miss the point again.”
They clearly haven’t responded to subtlety, so why bother softening the blow? This response lets them know, in no uncertain terms, that their inability to pick up on cues has left you no choice but to be direct. And honestly, at this point, it’s probably what they need.
10. “I think we should just call this what it is: awkward.”
Sometimes, when someone just won’t take a hint, the best thing to do is acknowledge the cringe-worthy situation for what it is. This response puts all the awkwardness out in the open, making it clear that their persistence is uncomfortable—and that they should probably stop before it gets worse.
11. “You might want to check your hearing—because I’ve already answered.”
At this point, it’s fair to wonder if they’re actually listening or just pretending not to hear you. This response calls them out while keeping things lighthearted. If they still don’t get it, you might need to switch from words to waving goodbye and walking away.
12. “Let me put this in a way you’ll understand: No.”
Since hints aren’t working, maybe directness will. No fluff, no sugarcoating—just a straight-up rejection wrapped in a little humor. If they’re still standing there after this, you might need to start questioning if they’re messing with you on purpose.