By Jamie Collins

April 28, 2025

I’ve always been the kind of person who hates hurting other people, especially when their feelings are involved. And today, I’ve felt like a complete mess. I just rejected a guy, and even though it was what I knew deep down was the right thing to do, I can’t help but feel so guilty about it. We didn’t know each other well, and the truth is, he just wasn’t my type. I knew I had to let him down easy, but when I saw how happy he was just to be talking to me, I felt like I completely ruined his day, maybe even his week.

I know it might seem small to some people—just saying “no” to a date or a potential relationship—but it’s honestly weighing on me. He was so genuine, so kind. He looked at me like he’d found something special, and in that moment, I felt like I was crushing something that could’ve been nice, even if it wasn’t right for me. The worst part is, I don’t think he saw it coming. I could see the hope in his eyes, and I just had to end it before it went any further.

I know it was better to be honest with him rather than lead him on, but that doesn’t make it easier. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, and now I can’t stop thinking about how I might’ve disappointed him. I hate feeling like I’m the one who caused someone pain, especially when they were nothing but sweet and hopeful.

What makes this even harder is that I’m not sure what I was expecting in the first place. It’s not that he’s a bad person or anything like that, it’s just that we didn’t have that connection. I can’t force myself to feel something I don’t, no matter how great someone is. But knowing how happy he was before I said no, I keep wondering if I’ve made a mistake somehow. Did I handle it the right way? Was there a better way to break his heart?

I think the worst part is that it feels like the guilt will stay with me for a while. I didn’t want to be the one to break his heart, but now I feel like I’ve ruined something that could’ve been a good experience for both of us. I’m still trying to remind myself that it’s okay to prioritize my own feelings too, even if it hurts someone else in the process. I just wish it didn’t have to feel so terrible.