How to get out of a situation while trying not offend the person but not come across as lying or mean

[u/your_average_SRB]

I genuinely need some advice because this is a huge mess.

Basically, I'm in a complicated situation with a girl from one of my classes, and I honestly don't know how to handle it without making things awkward.

I was in class when a girl noticed my last name and started asking me questions about where it came from. We ended up having a nice conversation, and she eventually asked for my Instagram. I didn't know how to say no, so I gave it to her. She sent me a request, but I never accepted it and eventually declined it.

A couple of weeks later, we ran into each other again and had another long conversation. She's genuinely interesting, and I think she's nice, but for personal reasons, I'd rather not add her on Instagram.

At one point, she asked if I'd added her back. She checked her phone and saw that the request hadn't gone through. I panicked and said something like, "Huh, weird. I thought I added you back." She showed me her phone, and I searched for her again.

Now her request is pending, but I haven't accepted it, and I don't plan to. I feel guilty because I didn't know how to say no in the moment, and I don't want her to think I dislike her.

I know the obvious solution is to explain that I don't want to add her, but I'm not comfortable sharing my personal reasons. I also don't want to make things awkward, especially since we've had some genuinely nice conversations.

Is there any legitimate Instagram issue that could explain why I can't accept her request? I don't want to block her or make her feel rejected. I'd just like a simple way to handle this without having to explain my personal situation or make up some complicated story.

I know I'm probably overthinking this, but I'd genuinely appreciate any advice.