How do I let this poor boy down gently?

tell him he misunderstood your comment.

It probably took a lot of courage on his part to make public his feelings of affection and attraction towards you. He's been probably holding onto them for a long time, and your innocent "I like you, Landon" was apparently all he needed to take a chance. So, yeah, this is a delicate situation. You've stated the desired outcomes really well: Clarifying how you see this relationship ("We're friends") while respecting his feelings. You may be able to accomplish only the first part, and he may decide that's not enough for him. If he has such low self esteem, then no matter how gently you let him down, he may still hear it for what it is: "I like you Landon, and I care for you as a friend. But not in the way you need." He may get real angry because he's hurt, but he took the chance, and it was the wrong choice, and he may decide to end the friendship because he won't be able to face you as a friend again. You can't fix that for him.

WOW...well i have to say you opened that door now you have to walk thru it...I think you should go for that walk with him and let him know the truth but that you'll want to remain good friends with him.

But the thing about it...you'll have to continue to hang out with him, whether it's lunch, dinner, or walks in the park...because by him being so sensitive and you breaking it off with him he's going to slip into depression.

name off all the positive things he is - he's gentle, sweet, etc. would make a good bf for somebody who, sadly, isnt you. but make sure you make it clear that you're not just saying that, and maybe tell him you want to stay friends - and not go back on your word. maybe do something with him so he knows your not going to let him down.

poor guy :( good luck, though!

Ok so he's a sappy guy. Sappy guys like that require a certain attention. Personally I'd probably just stop responding to his online messages and only respond to one in two or one in three and then only one line like "yeah that was great" or something simple. He'll get bored and move on to something else.

Umm...

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Choose your words carefully and wisely about how you're going to let him down/deny.

Tell him he misunderstood what you said. He didn't understand what you were really trying to say.

You could always tell him you just want to be friends, and that you aren't really interested in a relationship.

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Hope this works-out for you.

Say things like "You should gain some confidence and stick up for yourself, you're a great guy. I'm really not interested in going out with anyone right now, but i'm sure you could find other girls. You're really great."

I'm just like him so I know how he feels.

the best thing for everyone involved is to be honest with him. make sure you are clear and dont send mixed messages and tell him that you still want to be friends. he will get over it eventually. your friendship may suffer temporarily but if he is a true friend it wont ruin it

i think hang out with him and if he talks about getting into a relationship or something then tell him the truth in a non harsh way as you can. if u reject someone over the computer idk how good that is for their self esteem. tell him the good things about him n maybe try to hook him up with someone you know if possible :]

be blunt and honest. it doesn't help to sugar coat anything to make things easier. he's going to feel embarrassed and hurt regardless. at least if you are blunt and honest with him, while at the same time letting him know he is important to you as a friend, he'll just have to accept it and learn to move on.

I always say, "Man I am so glad I met you, I thought you would be like the other guys that hit on me. Glad I can call you my friend." :-) That has worked for me, you are kind of hinting lol