truth hurts

you know what i've realised? that yeah, being told the truth can hurt.
but what's worse than being told the truth, is being the one to tell someone the truth. truth that might (or is guaranteed) to hurt them.

so how do you do it? how do you sum up the courage to tell someone whats really going on, when you know your gonna either hurt them, damage the current relationship (that being whatever it is, friends or more) OR fuck it all up completely?
makes it extremely tempting to lie.
though lying and going against what you truely feel is the cowardly way out, and, is more of an insult to the other person that being honest.

how do you tell someone you've tried, but can't?

i think the worst thing is not knowing. not knowing what they'll say, not knowing what they'll do, not knowing how they'll react..

and you never know! they may feel the same, or, they may never speak to you again. either way, its a 50/50 chance of all blowing up in your face. then what? by being honest you could end up losing everything, because it's not really a 'win, win' or 'break even' or 'win, lose' situation. i don't see anything being gained from this..

i don't really know what to do.
i don't want to hurt anyone, myself included, but i don't want to lie either.. but telling them what they don't want to hear is going to hurt them..

it's a pickle ey! i'm not really sure how i'm gonna get myself out of this one...

help?... please?... anyone?...