Okay, so I've known this guy since I was like 5 years old. We are total best friends and have hung out together all our lives. There's just one problem, I think he likes me and thinks I like him back. I haven't come out to him yet because.... Well I'm a coward and I'm afraid. He's one of the only friends that I can totally hang out with and be myself and know he won't judge me one bit. The thing is, I'm kinda not interested in him cause I like girls. I would tell him, I just don't wanna break his heart because I know how much that can hurt. I'm not sure if he likes me, it's just it's pretty obvious and even my dad made a comment about it recently. I'm really really scared to tell him and nervous too. Even though I know the best thing to do would probably be to tell him, I can't bring myself to hurt him if he does like me. PLEASE HELP ME. I'm sooooo afraid. I know the saying about 'a real friend likes you no matter what' , but still I don't know how awkward it will be between us after I tell him. Plus I'm not really ready to come out yet. I've only come out to one other friend as it is and that experience sucked (she totally ditched me). Am I making too big a deal out of this? What do I do?

I've had some experience with this field (It's amazing how easily a gay guy can pick up girls) and, in my experience, the worst things you can do are ignore it, or pretend you are interested back to seem straight. If you don't want to come out to him, or don't feel that you are ready, than don't. You have to decide when the time for that is, and if its not now, fine. But you should tell him that,for whatever reason, you are not interested.

Rejection hurts, to be sure, but being led on, even unintentionally, hurts worse. And wondering what if, in my opinion, is the worst pain of all. (I let the first guy I loved get away, even after kissing him back stage at a performance. I still regret it, and that was three and a half years ago.)

My advice: give it to him straight. Yes, you value his friendship a great deal, and love him a tremendous amount, but you don't want anything romantic with him.

Just my 2cents.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
-Travis