Which is less cruel: avoiding someone who likes you or being “just” friends?

Being close or not has got nothing to do with feelings, I would say distant love is much more intense because for you the person seems perfect when you don't really know EVERYTHING about them.

I guess, it depends on you two entirely; if you are comfortable with being just friends, then be. Plus, IF youd like to be friends with them, you shouldnt treat them like nothing. Dont hurt them. Dont take them for granted just because you know they have feelings for you and wont ever leave you easily.

But if you think itll be awkward to be with them; then not being with them is the best option.
It not about being cruel or something. you know really well the consequences of the options, so just go with something that you feel will be for the better. Depends on you and the situation.

It is best to be open and honest with the situation. Just tell this person you're not interested and let the chips fall where they may, it will be awkward at first but it's better for both of you in the long run. Plus they might avoid you on their own anyway.

Well if i have this right, you are just hearing rumors that this person likes you from third parties. If they want to date you, they should go up to you themselves and talk to you about their feelings, not pass it along through your friends, this isn't middle school.

So, you really have no obligation to do anything. Which way of action is more "cruel"? Honestly it doesn't really matter, because either action could be argued as "more cruel". Do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you get bad vibes/ the creeps from this person then go ahead and avoid them. If you feel they are worth keeping around as a friend then do so, and if the feelings issue comes up, just be polite and firm that you are not interested in anything romantic. Obviously, don't mock-flirt with them/tease them/be overtly cruel, but I don't think you were going to do that anyway. If they get all emo and butthurt about a civil rejection, that's their problem. It's not your fault or responsibility.

If the person is mature, they should be able to take the rejection and remain friends with you, OR if the feelings are too intense, they should take the initiative to distance themselves from you until they get over it.

Being just friends with someone is less cruel. Cause it provides the closure to the route and allows them to move on over time they lose interest it will hurt in the beginning but I learned after a while if they want and tried to work it out the friendship will return and everything goes back to normal. Ignoring them does eventually give the closure but it also doesn't cause they doesn't know the reason behind it and it makes the person avoiding them seem very immature even though they're trying to spare their feelings I hope this helps good luck!

Thanks guys. I feel like an immature middle-schooler...kidding. I may be troubling myself too much about this. So, I'll act as if I don't know anything and continue with my own business.