Responding to someone who says they are not going to ask for your phone number can depend on the context and your relationship with that person. Here are some possible responses that you can consider:
Respect their boundaries: If someone directly expresses that they are not going to ask for your phone number, it's important to respect their decision. You can simply acknowledge their response and move on with the conversation or topic at hand.
Polite acceptance: Respond with a polite and understanding tone. You can say something like, "No problem, I completely understand. If you ever change your mind or need to reach me, feel free to let me know."
Light-hearted humor: If the situation allows for it, you can respond with humor to ease any potential awkwardness. For example, you could say, "That's okay, I won't take it personally. My phone might be relieved not to get more notifications anyway!"
Maintain conversation: You can continue the conversation without dwelling on the phone number issue. Keep the interaction light and engaging on other topics.
Ask for their preference: If appropriate, you can ask if there's another way they would prefer to stay in touch, like through social media or email. However, if they've already expressed a boundary, respect their response if they decline this option as well.
Remember, everyone has their reasons for setting boundaries, and it's essential to respect and honor those boundaries. Pressuring someone or making them uncomfortable about their decision can harm the relationship and trust between you.