I hate this culture where exercising your right to choose and to have agency is seen as rude. So much so, that even many people i know feel guilty abt turning someone down. Even if that person starts hating you, so what ? It's their problem, let them deal with their low self-esteem. I've never felt guilty abt turning someone down. I've never been an asshole to anyone, but if they don't like me as a result or think i'm mean bc i don't reciprocate interest in them, then good riddance IDC.

I don't get why saying "no" to somethign is seen as rude. After all, especially when it comes to dating, no one owes anyone anything.
I say "I'm not interested" if someone i'm not interested in asks me out, depending on whether my saftey is at risk.