I'm going to refuse to let people pay for my meals
Why do you not want others to pay for your meals?
I feel like its time to learn how to do things myself
They might get offended if you refuse their generosity. If someone offers something sweet like that, you should just let them pay for you.
What if someone is poor and can't afford to pay for my meal?
I don't think they would offer such a thing if they couldn't afford it.