How Do I Say No?

I have a dilemma. Remember the guy I had a bad second date with at the beginning of May? He has texted me asking if I want to meet again. Bear in mind that the date we had didn't go very well, not in my opinion anyway. And apart from one text after that evening to let him know I got home safely I haven't heard from him in about 3 weeks. I figured that his silence indicated that he too felt that the date hadn't gone well. But now what do I do? Say no and let him down and feel bad, or say yes and endure another date and feel bad...

If he really liked me, surely he would've gotten in touch sooner? It doesn't take much effort to send someone a text or an email, to keep in touch. But keeping quiet for the best part of a month made me think he didn't really see a future for us and it was an easy option to end things by not contacting me. And to be honest I didn't mind, it was just as easy for me to stay quiet and not have to say thanks, but no thanks. I was kind of hoping it was a mutual silence and that would be the end of that.

If I see him again, it would technically be our third date. I have no problem in going out for a drink or something with him on a friendly basis, but I don't want to give him the wrong idea. Some people do expect something to happen on the third date. And we haven't even kissed or anything... I know that nothing romantic can happen with this guy. I don't feel that spark with him.

How do I let him down? How do I say no????

One of my shortcomings is that I find it hard to say no to people. I don't want to feel like I've let someone down, even though I end up feeling bad. But part of learning who I am, and trying to get to be who I want to be means that I have to start doing things for myself. Do things for me, not others. And even though I am also trying to embrace life and take opportunities that are presented to me, I think this is something I will have to say no to.

I feel bad already and I haven't even contacted him. But honesty is the best policy so I will bite the bullet and send him a message...