How do I let this guy down gently?

[poormanspombears]

I met someone through an app. Get on brilliantly in message and on the phone. Similar sense of humour but the sexual chemistry just isn’t there.

We’ve had two dates. I was on the fence after the first but thought I needed to see him again to make sure it wasn’t nerves etc.

He made quite a big thing about having our first kiss and that happened tonight and I’m definitely not attracted to him.

I feel awful, but I need to let this guy down gently.

Dating Coach Erika of A Little Nudge, who is on various other social media platforms, swears by “Thank you for a lovely evening. It was nice getting to know you. Unfortunately I didn’t feel the connection I’m looking for but I wish you nothing but the best”
I think it’s a polite, unambiguous phraseology. You’re being straightforward, not ghosting and if someone wants to blame you somehow for not feeling a connection then that’s on them. You gave it an honest shot.

It's best that you tell him sooner rather than later. I'd just text him and say thank you for a nice evening but unfortunately you did feel there was a connection and wish him well.
Be kind and polite but direct

The kindest thing you can do is be brutally honest with him ASAP. Explain that although you seem to get on well, the spark simply isn't there and it's definitely not something you can force. If you drag it out longer then he may become more attached to you and that will only make it worse when you try to cut him off later down the line. It's hard because you'll not want him to hurt, but see it as you're doing him a favor in that by leaving him you're allowing him to meet someone else who genuinely does find him attractive and does have that spark for him. :)

@SandrenaIsMyBloodType has expressed it better than me.
Don't feel bad that you have to tell him, if there was a lack of connection then that's not your fault (or his for that matter). Simply one of those things! We can't all connect perfectly with everyone.