But, would'nt you be hurt at the thought that you'd gotten turned down!
I would be and when I am hurt & upset, I tend not to not to the person responsible. I would then cool off and then lastly sever all ties & contacts.
I know some people could brush it off and go on, but not me.
I suppose it depends why the proposal was turned down. If it's 'cause you truly don't believe in the institution of marriage, but are totally committed to that person then I suppose it could work. If I turned down a marriage proposal it would be because at the back of my mind I couldn't see myself ending up with that person. But obviously the other person does see the relationship as being forever or they wouldn''t have proposed. In the case I think it would definitely sour the relationship!
If you're saying 'no' because he's not the one for you, then it doesn't matter if it's the end.
If you're saying 'no' because you're not ready or it's too soon, then if he loves you, he'll wait.
If you're saying 'no' because you think marriage is a load of rubbish, then fair point, talk it through, and if marriage is something that is REALLY important to him, then maybe re-consider, or compromise.
Depends how you are asked, down on one knee with a very expensive ring in your hand, in a cool romanic place and you get a no. Things will never be the same.....!