For a while now I've been avoiding seeing him because his company stresses me out. It's not about fighting or anything, I just don't like his attitudes and the way he interacts with me anymore. I want to tell him something without hurting him, but I don't even know where to start.
I don't think you always need to say something! Sometimes friendships naturally change pace and that's totally fine. But if you really feel the need to address it, the key is being honest without being mean. You don't have to spell everything out in detail - just say that lately you've drifted apart and you need some different space. Like: "Hey, I've been feeling that we have different dynamics these days and I'd like to take some distance" without getting into a list of their flaws.
Avoid directly blaming them for their behavior, especially if you think they might not get what you mean. People tend to get defensive when they hear "the way you are stresses me out" - even if it's true! Try focusing instead on what you're feeling and what you need. Like: "Right now I need lighter friendships" sounds way less like an attack than "you tire me out."
Also, be prepared for the fact that they might still react badly or ask for more detailed explanations. It's okay not to have all the answers ready. And remember that you're not obligated to keep a friendship that doesn't make you feel good - sometimes the kindest thing you can do is also the most honest thing, even if it doesn't sound sweet in that moment.
The most important thing is to figure out if you're really tired of the friendship itself or if you're going through a period where everything feels heavier on you - sometimes we try to blame the other person when really it's us who are exhausted. If after thinking about it you're sure it's him that's the problem, then yeah, it's worth saying something honest but kind to him, like "I need some space lately" without getting into the specifics of his behaviors that you don't like.
I've been in your situation before, and I found that often the problem isn't telling him something drastic, but simply creating more space - fewer outings, slower replies to messages, basically gradually changing the frequency. But if you prefer being direct (and sometimes it's better), you don't need to make up excuses: you can tell him honestly "lately I need more time for myself" without necessarily analyzing every attitude of his that bothers you. What doesn't work is explaining point by point why he's exhausting you, because it would make him try to "fix" himself and you'd end up in a bad place anyway. The thing is: honesty yes, but without listing out a bunch of his flaws.
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