The chances are that I am making a bit of a mistake typing this straight onto the computer with no preparation whatsoever, but when writing about directness, one should, I feel, be direct.

At this time, the shortcomings of waffle are becoming more and more apparent. It does of course have it's uses, many of which can be rather entertaining, but care must be taken to ensure that ones life does not stem from such wafflings. There simply is not time.

Let us look at some sample situations. First off, the uninspiring date. By the end of the evening you are sure that this option is not one to pursue, but the next day you receive the hint-at-second-date-text. There are several reply options here:

1) "Really enjoyed myself too, would love to do it again". This is not so much waffle as a complete lie. Assuming the other party is keen, sending this message will result in a second date.
2) "Was good to go out, am always up for a nice meal, let's try and sort out a time when we can fit in another.. you know.. the hectic life!" This is the waffly option. Neither here nor there. References to enjoyment, but also to 'I'm too busy… hint, hint'. This could result in a second date, or at the very least much awkwardness and confusion.
3) "Had a good meal, shame we didn't get on". Concise and classy. No risk of confusion here, end of story, no further time wasted.

Let us look at another possible scenario. You're about to leave work when, out of the blue comes "Oh, just wondered, could you come in an hour early next Monday?" We have two options here.

1) "Well, let's see, um, you know, I would… oooh, let's see, that'll be 10…..8….. 8.30 Monday morning..um, I think… well I do have to try and make an appointment, I'd best say no, though obviously if I could I would…"
2) "No."

Note how both options lead to the same outcome, but one about ten minutes sooner than the other. Bluntness in action.

Of course, the aim is by no means to be rude, simply to say what sooner or later is going to have to be said anyway. It saves everyone concerned a lot of time and effort.