How to reject a guy to avoid embarrassment?
A guy sat beside me on the bus (it was a pair seating) which drove through the highway so it was a pretty long journey.
For the first half of the journey, I could feel some tension between us because even though others got off their seats after the first few stops and there were other empty seating pairs, especially one just right in front of us, he didn’t change seats (he sat on the outside), so it was um, pretty awkward.
I could also feel him fidgeting slightly as if he was preparing for something (no i didn’t get molested). Then halfway through the highway, he muttered a “Hi” and yeah that was when he said he’s looking for some dinner friends (looking back, idk if this is a red flag) and if I’m interested, I just said “no” and that I’m attached.
He kinda fumbled abit in his response but nevertheless acknowledged nicely and backed off immediately, with the rest of the highway journey being painfully long and awkward…
And when my stop came, he got up and let me out, mumbling a “take care” to me. I just nodded and alighted.
I know what I did has 0 faults at all, but I almost immediately felt bad after I just rejected nonchalantly, and let the conversation die instantly there.
In a way, I felt like I could’ve rejected more nicely bc I can imagine how much courage it probably took him to ask after some contemplation seemingly.
And that he took my rejection well in a non-creepy manner which is unlike some guys out there. But then again, I may be wrong and he’s probably just a F-boi looking for flings. If it matters I’m in my early 20s and I think he’s just slightly older idk
Anyway I’m still curious as to how a girl can reject a guy without hurting his ego / making it embarrassing for him but at the same time set boundaries right!