Girls, How to turn her down while she has her hopes up?

[Anonymous]

I have an absolutely awesome friend who is cool in pretty much every way. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean I'm romantically interested in them. However, not only do they have a huge crush on me, but the friend group we're in is actively trying to get us together. To make things more awkward, it's almost a Ginny/Harry situation because she is one of my best friend's little sister. I've already tried to tell her I am not interested but I botched it and made it seem like it was just a problem with timing, and so she has continued to be outrageously flirty in spite of it. I do like them as a friend, and I want to keep my friendship with her older brother, so what should I do?

[Anonymous]

Let me start by saying that rejecting someone is very similar to breaking up in the sense that there is no easy way or perfect time to break the news. It’ll be hard on her regardless, and unfortunately you can’t do anything about that but accept it. So when you get the chance, be honest and tell her where you stand, without worrying so much of the ripples it’ll cause, because staying silent will only make it harder. Next, shut all that matchmaking shit down with your friends. Again, don’t worry about the ripples of the aftermath, because it’s out of your control. Tell either one of them or all of them that they need to stop, because it’s complicating the situation even more, or however you want to word it. Lastly, do not feel any more guilty than need be. Yes you were wrong for giving her false hope, but there’s nothing you can do about that and you certainly can’t keep entertaining her crush on you out of fear.

[melanieeeB]

Just tell her how you feel and that you're not romantically interested in her, be honest and up front, yeah it's probably gonna hurt at first but I personally was always really thankful for any men who was just honest to me and didn't lie and played games or whatever.

[dustybiker]

Honesty is always best. Just be gentle.

[Anonymous]

Be honest is always best.