My assistant manager and I get along well at work but about a month ago he started messaging me more casually and asked to hang out. Around the same time I noticed he got more friendly(?) and playful with me, I can’t tell if he’s flirting or it’s just playful banter or both but I’ve been neutral with him as to not give him any ideas (btw we’re both single). Anyways, I’m a pretty shy, awkward and introverted person so I was kinda thrown off by all this but nonetheless I brushed it off and I hesitantly agreed to hang out with him some time…which now I wish I hadn’t. He’s expressed how I’m ‘so chill’ and that he would really like to hang out with me which I’m flattered by but honestly the more I think about it I really don’t feel like hanging out with him outside of work.
I’m not exactly sure what his intentions are but I figured it might not be the best to hang out with him outside of work considering he’s my assistant manager (who turns out to have a kid too). Plus I think I would end up being awkward and socially anxious if we did hang out.
Last week he sent me a message asking if we’re still hanging out and I haven’t opened it because I honestly don’t know how to respond. I don’t want to hang out with him anymore but I don’t know how to tell him that since I had already agreed I’d hang out with him…What should I say? How do I tell him I don’t want to hang out? Or how should I handle the situation without making it awkward?
I’d really appreciate the help since I’m not very good at this kind of stuff and I kinda suck at texting.