I'm in the same boat as you, OP. I asked her out today; she said she doesn't feel the same way about me that I do of her. Treat it like it's not a big deal. Rejection is a part of life. You just have to deal with it. It was awkward for about 15 seconds after she said no, but then it was fine. Sure, she knows you like her now, but so what? Unless you were very secretive about it, she probably already knew, and even if she didn't, it's not like it makes that much of a difference. If she wants to treat you differently, talk to her. I'm amazed at how people always try to avoid discussions with people they want, but can't get closer to. She can't read your mind, just like you can't read hers. You still want to be friends, so make that clear.