How can I let him down easy?

Dear Advice Girl,

I know this boy who really likes me and he asked me out twice. I said sure, but now I don’t want to go out with him.

My friend said that she would let him down easy, but I am afraid that he won’t be my friend anymore. I mean, he broke up with his girlfriend to go out with me.

What should I do to let him know I don’t want to go out with him?

Signed,
   Don't Want to Hurt Him

Dear Don't Want to Hurt Him,

No matter how you tell him, he’ll be mad at you - and he deserves to be. The best you can do is soften the blow by:

1. Telling him yourself, in person (not through a friend).
2. Telling him you really, really hope you can stay friends.
3. Being nice to him, like you’ve always been, but giving him enough distance so he can get over you and won’t think you might like him like that.

And next time, when a guy asks you out, please think it through. The wrong answer might end up breaking someone’s heart.