Ultimately, you’re not in control of other people’s emotions, and thus cannot be culpable for their reactions. It goes without saying that intentionally hurting someone is a different matter altogether. If you’re rude or disrespectful, expect a negative, and perhaps even a hostile, response. Incivility breeds incivility. But if you remain courteous, candid, and sincere when turning down requests, and the requestor responds in a hostile manner, let it go. The negative feelings prompting the belligerence come from a place inside him or her over which you have no jurisdiction.
