How to let someone down

I HATE being mean. I hate it when someone likes you, and you don't have ANY romantic feelings for them, and you have to tell them. This guy is a really sweet guy, we have great conversations, but I only like him as a friend. And I don't want to have to give him the old cliche 'you are such a good friend' speech. But I know he's going to ask me out again, and I don't want to be in that uncomfortable situation. He's so nice, how do I let him down easy? Preemptively? Should I just tell him I'm not interested in dating because it's too soon after my last relationship? White lie, but one that might not hurt his feelings...

I have learned, Astra, that being straight with them is the best way. Your procrastination will only suspend and increase his pain. Just tell him straight that you don't want to date him. Tell him the truth that you only want him as a friend. That's it. pure and simple.

Please do this as I have been on the end of somebody who could never just tell me 'No'. In the end I got hurt. i have also done it the other way around and have been the procrastinator.

As Nike say, just do it.

Thanks Chucky, good advice as always. I did exactly that, as soon as I could. He's cool with just being friends.

Chucky is right. being honest is the only way to be.

What else are you supposed yo do? Lie? Lie and tell him that you're thinking about it... ??