Hi, eve. I can relate as I don't want to hurt anyone, either. I think you're a nice person and need to put yourself first.

If you were in the other person's shoes -- how would you want them to tell you that you no longer wanted to keep in touch?

Also, for people that are not as sensitive as you and me -- I've come to realize that a lot of people aren't as affected as much by these things. They may think "oh well, eve is nice and I enjoyed our chats, but I have other friends."