There’s something I need to tell you. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, and I almost didn’t say anything. But we’ve always been completely open with each other, and I just have to get this off my chest. I think I’m starting to have feelings for you.
Wow, I was not expecting you to say that.


I know this is a lot to spring on you. What do you think, though? Would you ever want to try dating?
This really caught me by surprise. You know I love you as a friend, and I think you’re an amazing person. You’re one of my favorite people in the world, actually. But I have to be honest -- I don’t think of you in that way.


Well, I appreciate your being honest with me. 
It must have been hard to bring this up. I’m sorry to disappoint you! 


Please don’t feel bad! You can’t control how you feel, and anyway, there’s nothing to be sorry for. I’m definitely disappointed, but I love you as a friend, too, and that won’t change.
I really hope this doesn’t get in the way of our friendship. 


Same. It might take me a little while to bounce from this, but I’m definitely going to do everything possible to make sure that this doesn’t make things too weird between us. 
Thanks for saying that. I’ve lost friends before over things like this, and it’s kind of unsettling to feel like the people closest to me are only interested in me romantically or sexually. I love being your friend, and I think friendship is just as important -- if not more important! -- than romantic relationships.


Our friendship is so important to me, too. I’m definitely not going anywhere, and I still want to go camping in June, and do all the adventures we’ve been planning. Still, that said, is it okay with you if we postpone dinner tonight? I’ll be back in Best Friend Mode soon -- I just need a little time to gather myself up and process all this.
Of course, I completely understand. This must be pretty emotionally confusing. I’m glad you were so open with me, though -- It must have been really hard to bring this all up.