how do you let a friend know that there is no chance of anything ever happening between you?

Question

without hurting them?

Answer 1

If it's a male friend just tell him you'r sh*gging his wife , he'l understand if he's a real friend !

Answer 2

I've had this problem quite a few times before. :o) DON'T WORRY! You won't lose them as a friend!

If they have been dropping hints, or being blunt about it, then the best thing to do is have one, completely honest, completely open talk with them about it. So, next time they make a comment (for example) that is leaning slightly more towards the relationship side of things rather then friendship, just say something along the lines of;
"Look, this isn't a big deal, I just think I need to tell you where I am." Then have an open, jokey and friendly chat about it. Don't make it too heavy, keep it light but make sure you are clear, and you are very honest. This conversation only needs to happen once. So say how much you value them as a friend, and you love having a laugh with them etc, but for you that is all it is, and although you'd always want them in your life as a friend, you know for you, its never going to be more than that.
The key is to constantly highlight how much you value them as a friend, so they still feel important to you and valued. However make sure this is balanced with polite bluntness about how you are never going to want to be with them.

If they HAVEN'T been dropping hints, or you aren't quite sure enough to have an outright conversation with them, you could simply drop a few hints of your own. Maybe distance them a little (only for a while) until they get the hint, and the bring the relationship back up to what it was once more. Or drop a few hints of your own about how you would "never date a mate" or, that you're "so glad you have a friend in him/her that is completely platonic". That'll let them know you don't feel that way about them at all.

Either way, don't worry. This happens all the time. It could be a little awkard, or they could get moody for a week or two, but that passes. Your friendship will survive! Good luck!

Answer 3

As they say, "honesty is the best policy". Tell them how much you value their friendship - you could explain that you would prefer your friendship to last forever rather than run the risk of having a relationship and then falling out/splitting up.

Tell them that you love them dearly as a friend and that you always will. But make sure they know that there will NEVER be anything else.

A genuine friendship can be much stronger for this - I know, I have been there - and uncomfortable as it is at the time, the friendship survived.

Answer 4

You say, would you rather be nothing at "all" to each other
or except that we will only be friends forever? Sometimes it takes a "true" friend who will "chance" hurting someone's feelings, than to let that person continue believing otherwise, thereby living a lie, and hurting them "more" in the longrun for "not" being honest.

Answer 5

It will hurt them either way. I would say just be up front and honest. I know it seems hard to do, but in the long run, it will help them because they won't think your leading them on.

Answer 6

Talk to them like a friend and explain why and nicely they'll understand that's what friends are for.

Answer 7

taking it that your friend has dropped hints that they would like to bed you if so just tell them as a pal you like them but thats all if they regard you as a friend then alls ok if not they are not the sort to have as a pal

Answer 8

Tell them there is already something between you; Friendship!

Answer 9

You have answered the question yourself. Just tell them the truth ok.

Answer 10

Honesty is the best policy.