Dear Baba Rumcake,
I’m at a bar and someone I’m talking to asks, “So, if I give you my number will you call me?”
I responded with a simple smile of flattery and a verbal “No.”
He thought I was rude for saying that and told me so. I resisted saying he was rude for asking such a loaded question.
So, which is ruder?
Tell the person no, you won’t call him. It might hurt their feelings, but they know where they stand.
Tell the person yes, you’ll call and then let them wait for a phone call which will never come, and eventually causes them to think you’re a jerk for making an empty promise.
Bar Room Confused
Dear BRC,
That guy sounds like a creep. He just exhibited ‘red flag’ behaviors. Not being able to handle “no”, and putting the blame on the other person for being “rude”. Classic signs of a creepy weirdo. Gentlemen do not do that.
You could have also said, “In your dreams buddy!” and laugh. Your answer was not rude at all.
Someone asked you a yes/no question, and you answered. There was no need to coat your answer with fluffy soft words.
Also, if he did not want a ” no” he should not have posed the question.
Overall, it sounds to me like you did the right thing but met the cretin that would take it the wrong way instead of appreciating your honesty and forthright answer.
Good riddance to bad rubbish. Do not give it a second thought.
Blessings on your good sense and self preservation,
Baba Rumcake