I’ve always found older people easier to talk to so I tried to have a conversation with a man who comes to my workplace once or twice a month (customer service job) just for some social interaction. One time I met him randomly on my walk and so we walked together a little bit before he suggested we go somewhere for coffee and being naive and autistic I didn’t think twice about it. It seemed innocent to me for some reason. He ended up taking me somewhere like 10km away via subway and it stressed me out and I acted super uncomfortable with how far it was but he was like it’s fine it’s not far several times during the trip.

Writing this out I kinda realize that was a mistake but then I went on a walk with him again for some reason (he called me to ask since I gave him my number… just why, past me?). Now I realize that was weird too… I guess I’m lonely? I don’t even like him very much but I was attracted to the idea having a walking buddy. I don’t have many friends who like taking walks. After this three hour walk I realized he bored the hell outta me and today he called me twice to ask if I wanted to go in another walk with him and I told him I already took a walk.

Not being able to let people down easy has been a trend with me and I’ve ghosted a lot of people in my past with no warning. Anyway I don’t want to be a bad person, I don’t want to use anyone for their company when I don’t even enjoy their company. It seems like this “friendship” is a lost cause to me. I am unsure how to proceed. Should I be frank and direct or just avoid them without saying anything?