An extroverted older acquaintance friend who we haven't keep in touch for awhile reached out for a dinner to catch up. It started with him sending me some info on what he thought I'd be interested in and I replied thanks and asked how he's doing. He replied he's doing great and wants to meet up for dinner and catch up.
I do genuinely care about him, hence I asked how he's doing, but I really not interested in meeting up with him in person. A phone call would be sufficient. We've met up in the past and it's really more draining for me than connecting. He struggle with loneliness (in my opinion) and makes me feel he's just looking for someone to hang out and listen to him and lack the ability to be a good listener in return. I'm currently struggling with chronic illness and don't need to be around energy draining people. Our last meet up, I told him I'm not feeling well and don't want to eat out (chronic GI issue) he insisted on picking a day and said "your stomach will be better by than.". It's honestly really off putting. I sucked it uo and went for the meet up but I don't want to repeat it again.
How can I turn the invite into just a phone catch up?
Is it rude if I just reply — "Happy to hear that you're doing great! I can't do dinner but I'd be happy to catch up over the phone when you're free"? But I have a feeling he's gonna get to push for a meet up.