When humans say they're not interested, why not just say so?

[Deja Q]

Just curious.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

1. Fear of hurt feelings. Apathy.

[Deja Q]

2. Apathy, plausible. Hurt feelings? Well, mine are because I can't get

closure.

(this is a non-relationship topic. Pertains to two business transactions...)

[JaySherman]

3. Guilt and fear of confrontation.

For many people, it's more uncomfortable to say "no" to someone than "yes." And there's the tendency to want to avoid the potentially uncomfortable situation that they think will come with it.

[Philosophy]

4. I have the opposite problem:

When I ask women out, they not only turn me down flat, but they usually follow up with a totally unsolicited declaration that they don't want to be friends any more and they don't even respect me as a person, and if they ever have children I would be forbidden to go anywhere near them.