It's an unusual question. [He looks for the easiest way to turn the situation around.]

Let us say you've had an admirer for some time, but you only just realized it. They're not particularly someone you can feel that way for, but don't want to lose their friendship.

How would you best address the situation and preserve the individual's feelings- hypothetically. I can't imagine there's any perfect way to go about it, but there must be some way such a situation somewhat comfortably.