PHILADELPHIA -- The search for love and companionship often seems hopeless, and when you finally think you've met that special somebody, rejection is a great possibility.

Video: Saying No, The Easy Way

So, how about trying a different approach -- laughing it off? That's why the rejection hot line is so popular. It may be offensive to some, but for others it is finding humor in the not-so-funny world of dating.

Here is how it works. You see him or her across the room. You are attracted and wonder, "Could he or she be the one?" You finally make your move and get a phone number. The next day you make the call, but you don't hear what you were hoping for.

"Hello. This is not the person you are trying to call. You've reached the rejection hot line. So, why were you given the rejection hot line number? Maybe you are not the person's type. You could be boring, dumb, annoying, arrogant or just a general weirdo."

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New Jersey Rejection Hotline: (201) 808-6011
Philadelphia Rejection Hotline: (215) 618-1505
New York City: (212) 660-2245

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The rejection hot line is a phone number you can give out when you don't want the guy or girl who just hit on you to know your real number.

The hot line started almost five years ago.

"I started it as a joke. My friends thought it was funny. They told their friends; next thing you know we're getting thousands of calls," said Jeff Goldblatt, the creator of the Rejection Hotline.

The hot line is now operating in almost three-dozen states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

"It's funny, but mean. Personally, I'll just say, 'I won't give you my number,'" said one girl at a club in downtown Philadelphia.

"It's easier to give out a false number than say, 'I'm not interested,' (because) they don't get it," said another girl.

Goldblatt said that each city averages 75,000 calls a month.

"It's pretty mean," one guy said.

The recorded message can be pretty mean.

"Maybe you give off that creepy, overbearing, psycho-stalker vibe, or the idea of dating you or going out with you is as appealing as playing leap frog with unicorns."

"Ninety-eight percent of people that call are calling just to hear the message, so the actual number of people being rejected is small," Goldblatt said.

The rejection hot line is not one-of-a-kind.

The New York City Rejection Line goes beyond the standard recorded rejection message. Here are some examples:

"The person who gave you this number does not want to talk to you or see you again."

"Our certified specialists are waiting to serve you in your time of need."

"Hey, Pumpkin, I know it hurts."

"Find that sad child and keep plugging, camper, because there are plenty of fish in the sea."

"Guys know; they catch on. A lot know the number and they are like, 'Hey,'" one guy said.

It may be offensive to some, but for others it is finding humor in the not-so-funny world of dating.

Rejection Hot Lines

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