Dating : When is it appropriate to stop responding to someone who you aren’t interested in?

Dating : When is it appropriate to stop responding to someone who you aren’t interested in?

I was out running errands yesterday, and this guy approached me shortly after I walked into the store. We made some awkward small talk and then he ultimately asked for my number. I wasn’t interested, but I was so caught off guard and nervous that I gave it to him 🙁

He texted me today saying hello and asking how I was. Two questions: 1) Would it have been appropriate just to not respond? I ended up texting him back letting him know that I wasn’t ready to date anyone and that it was nice meeting him (figured it was the most respectful way to handle), but I would have rather just ignored him. 2) Now that I told him where I stand, I don’t plan on contacting him further. Appropriate, yea?

Reading this back sounds so ridiculous, but I am incredibly non-confrontational and a people pleasure by nature. This kinda stuff stresses me out even though it’s so minor 🤦🏻‍♀️

TL:DR I don’t want to talk to the random dude who approached me yesterday while out running errands. What’s the best way to cease contact since I stupidly gave him my number?