Letting someone down easily?

[superstar2067]

Hi everyone, tomorrow I'm going to my friends house who happens to be a girl (I'm a guy) and I think she's going to ask me out, I like her as a friend just not as a girlfriend sort of thing, I was wondering what would I say to let her down gently? As I still want to be friends with her.

[Blood]

Just tell her that you don't really like her that. You have more of a sister feelling for her rather than a girlfriend feeling. Don't expect her to not really be hurt, but I'm sure she'll get over it.

[Atonement]

I highly suggest saying that you feel more of a friend connection than a romantic connection. They can understand I'm sure and hopefully won't take it as an insult.

[BeautifulSilence]

Just say that. There's no point beating around the bush, just go straight for it.

She may not even see you in that way, when friends are close, it's easy to mistake a bit of harmless flirting for something more serious. So, you may not have to even deal with it.

And, if she is interested, she will probably take the safe route of 'I won't ask you incase you don't feel the same'. So, as long as you don't make a move, you'll be safe.

But if her actions still seem to be motivated by more than just friendship, which makes you feel uncomfortable, it would be wise to ask her while explaining that you only see her as a close friend.

[superstar2067]

Ok, thnx everyone for the advice

[zoom zoom]

i had the same thing happen to me. her name was melanie, and she liked me, but we were really good friends. and she told me that she wanted to date. and i didnt want to hurt her. so all i said was that " i dont want to hurt you, i mean me and you are too good of friends to go out. And if we did go out, and break up that relationship would be ruined, and i dont want that to happen to us." and she understood. so i hope everything goes well for you.

[Hollywood]

I'll agree with the masses here.

Just tell her "I like you as a friend, but I just don't feel that way about you yet." You can't lie about it and say yes, and you can't try to get around it. Be straightforward, yet polite. She may be a little sad, but that's to be expected, so don't feel bad about it.

Like I said, you can't just say yes just to make her happy. Good luck.

[AllThatIsLeft]

From the point of view of a girl that IS in that position.

As long as you're clear about your feelings, and let her know that it doesn't mean the friendship has to end because of it. She'll be alright, yes she will be caught up on it, but chances are she won't want to let go just yet. Just keep her at bay, don't flirt, and repeat the word friends a whole bunch of times.

Oh, and only approach this situation if she brings it up. Don't shut her down, before she has said her thing, and even then, be polite and gentle!