How do you tell a person that thinks you're their best friend that you don't want to be in a nice way?

Well...this is unusual, I've got the same problem as you do AS haha. I tried just telling him flat out, I don't want to be your friend. But...he doesn't seem to hear things like that lol, I've tried little hints, nothing seems to work. So now I'm just distancing myself from him. It's not that he's a bad guy...but he's just not my sort of crowd I guess. Hopefully he gets the message, and, hopefully this helps you out a little...just tell him/her to their face, "look you're a great guy/girl w/e but I don't think we're meant to be friends" or something like that. Good luck! :)

Not sure what the big deal on being BEST friend is. Do you have a second best and third best and so on? What can't we all just be plain old friends??

Sorry, there are no "nice" ways to reject someone. Be as gentle as possible, be honest, and please don't be cruel with someone's heart.

I really don't understand why you would want to tell someone that. Its ok if you don't feel as if you are, but there is no need to be rood to them about it. My advise is: don't tell them, just kind of phase them out. Don't just stope talking to them, and not answering your calls. Just don't talk to them so much, and not texting them as much. They will get the hint. And If they ask if somethings wrong or your mad at them, just say "i've been busy".

there is no nice way, just be honest and sincere

Do you not like this person? Just be honest there is no nice way to tell someone you dont like them.

If you still want to be friends however, there is no reason why you have to think they are your bestfriend, but there is nothing wrong with them thinking you are theirs.

I totally understand how you feel. I have made many friends since moving here 6 years ago. But one friend in particular has really clung to me, and I enjoy her friendship to a point. I don't agree with how she treats/raises her kids, and seeing as we bonded over our kids being friends, it's a lot harder for me to be closer to her when I am at times embarassed to be around when she's being overly harsh to her kids, especially in public. I've tried to gently bring the subject up, but I will never tell someone else how to raise their kids, and respect her right to do her own thing. However it's become a bit of a problem as she wants to be so close to me and I find it hard to be around her for long periods of time, especially when the kids are around. I've found that it helps to just put a bit more distance in there. I still enjoy her company, but I just make visits a bit less often. I don't know if this helps, just thought I'd share my story on it. It's a tough road. I know she still considers me her best friend, and to be honest, I'm honored by that, but I do feel bad at times that I don't feel the same for her. Do what you do, and they will either stick around, or leave. Best wishes to you. :-)