Actually, one last thing:

when faced with competing explanations for the same phenomenon, the simplest is likely the correct one.

when faced with competing explanations [obvious politeness vs subtextual passive aggression] for the same phenomenon [choice of wording for a rejection text], the simplest [the one that doesn't involve the extra step of assuming malicious intent] is likely the correct one.

Please tell me why this is an incorrect usage of occam's razor.

this argument over a funny text meme has already gone too far and I have better things to do

My thoughts exactly. I meant it when I said this feels really stupid to be arguing over and I was all ready myself to say that I'm done here.

honestly your arguments have been less than insightful

Wow, nail on the head. That's exactly what I'm feeling about your input as well.

Honestly, if your hook in this was just that I assumed the genders wrong in a situation that plays out similarly regardless of the genders at work, you're being pedantic.

I mean, given that a gay or non-binary person might actually take the news that the other person is open to a friendship better than a typical straight guy, your point is self defeating. You're literally just mad that I said "her" and "him".

Inclusivity matters. I get it. I'm not the kind of person who adheres to heteronormativity. But forcing inclusivity in a situation where it doesn't make a difference to give validity to an opinion that might go against the grain is just tedious and uncalled for.

Later.