Well if he gets to the point where he gets clingy I understand why you would act that way to a certain degree.
I've done it with a little regret because I just don't like being mean.
But if he does irritate you, you most certainly need to do something about it. Which the mature way of solving it is tell him you not interested in him or if you want to be friends tell him just friends.
No, that's an elementary school thing to do. I've never understood how people do, say, or act the opposite of what they feel. If you like the guy, be nice to him.
I've done it with a little regret because I just don't like being mean.
But if he does irritate you, you most certainly need to do something about it. Which the mature way of solving it is tell him you not interested in him or if you want to be friends tell him just friends.