It's good that you do not want to hurt your friend's feelings or be mean. Being generous of his feelings is one of the first steps in turning him down. It's important to turn him down without sounding mean -- while still making it clear that you don't like him in that way.
First off, don't tell him you do not like him like that in front of everyone, so he isn't as embarrassed.
When you do tell him, it's important to remain calm and polite. Calmly explain how you feel. Say something like, "I'm flattered that you like me, because you are a good friend. I just don't like you in that way, though, but I hope we can still be friends." But what you say is up to you.
Now you watch his reaction.
If he seems okay with your decision, say you are glad you can still be friends.
But you can be more firm if he begs you to go out with him (or if he asks you if your feelings have changed a week later).
If he looks as if he will cry or just seems really sad about it, tell him you will still be there for him as a best friend.
lightoftruth answered Saturday October 26 2013, 9:00 pm: You just need to be honest. Don't lie to him and don't be mean. Make sure you also let him down face to face. Don't do it through a text message or something.
Just tell him that you care about him a lot, but you only see him as a friend. [ lightoftruth's advice column | Ask lightoftruth A Question ]
Pol0 answered Saturday October 26 2013, 5:16 am: Hi, im a 14/m and like a month ago i asked out a really close friend of mine, she rejected. Now the thing is you cant really let them go easily, she just said she was sorry and hugged me, for a week we didnt talk, and stuff were awkward but after that everything went back to normal. So if he asks you out there is no way to make him feel happy when you say no. If you dont want him to ask you out, be always with somebody, cause guys ask their girls out when they're alone. hope this helps!! [ Pol0's advice column | Ask Pol0 A Question ]
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