@ Leo:
Ahhhh, the scourge of the 21st century:
self-ab·sorp·tion
noun
noun: self-absorption
1.
preoccupation with one's own emotions, interests, or situation.
(I admit that it's always been a problem with our species, but I have noticed a dramatic increase over the last 6 or so years....)
He walked off looking hurt and confused that someone would turn him down.
In this case, your young Buddhist friend may have been unable to even consider the possibility that your existence has a purpose other than to submit to his wants.
A couple days ago I went into the supermarket, and a couple women had a 'pink ribbon' booth at the entrance. They stopped me and asked me for a donation. I cupped my left 'breast' and told them "No thanks, i'm not at risk." I half-expected them to rant & rave in response - they laughed heartily.
As I was walking off, another woman (nothing to do with the 1st two) overheard this and told me that I was wrong - told me how 4 of her male friends have contracted breast cancer. I was actually a little 'triggered' by this, and was sorely tempted to explain to her MY belief that most of our modern-day ailments are due to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and especially unhealthy mentalities, and how the health care industry actually parasitically feeds off of this, etc. etc.
But I told myself 'fuck it' and listened, and simply nodded in acknowledgement when she was done.
When I was leaving the supermarket, I made it a point to walk past the 'pink ribbon chicks', saying 'Bye!'. They smiled and waved me off with the kind of fanfare that would make you think I was a good friend they hadn't seen in years.