Saying no to an acquaintance

[Annteeta]

I got chatting to a man in an interest group and we swapped numbers. A week later we went for a walk but I decided I didn't want to see him again. I told him I wasn't looking for a relationship but since then he's invited me out at very short notice a couple of times which I turned down. I've just had another long rambling message inviting me on a night out tonight, a request to meet so he can present me with his holiday snaps😴 and a further request to go on holiday with him next week. I feel like I want to be very forthright and even rude to him but we're in the same interest group so in a way I don't want to fall out with him. It's not like online dating where you can just draw a line under something and never see them again. What's the best way to handle this?

I’d say “I’m sorry but I just don’t see this being anything more than us being friends at <insert activity you do>. You’re a lovely person but the spark just wasn’t there for me. See you at the group next week. Best wishes.”

Yes, I think @Roryhon 's message is good.

Although it depends a bit on what you have said in previous refusals - if you've already said something like that, then you might have to escalate.