text: "Oh, thanks for asking, but I don't have the same feelings for you.  It's very sweet of you to ask, but no."\n\nDo this privately, and never discuss it with your friends or anyone else.  What is "crushing" to boys is the humiliation of girls talking about them and saying things like, "eww, gross, he asked me out but I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole," etc.\n\nJust have a little respect for both him and yourself and you'll be fine.  Remember that you are helping him to learn that life goes on after disappointments, which is critical to building confidence.