[18/m] Never had a lasting relationship and Need Advice, Suffering from an unshakable cloud of Doubt.

Thanks for commenting guys, I didn't think people commented on anybody's random life problems, but it means a lot to me. As to what to do, I'm conflicted on whether or not to just take a leap of faith and ask her out, or just try and not become so emotionally attached to her(no idea on how to do that btw) and experiment with dating.

Just some background information on the relationship so far between me and the girl I'm obsessing/in love with: I'm in my final year of high school, and am in the "middle-ground" when it comes to popularity. I share some classes with this girl and we have been friends for about 3-4 years, but only lately have i had feelings for her. My original philosophy on my feelings was that she was always there for me and i just hadn't noticed how good she was until now. Anyway, we catch the bus together we sit reasonably close to each other everyday and, the best/worst part is, we walk home together. Now see I'm afraid that if I screw this up or she doesn't feel the same way it will be very awkward and maybe even break the close friendship we have for the entire last year of school(I know 1 year isn't that long but I value our friendship and don't want to screw it up).

On the hand, I think i would have trouble just jumping into the "dating scene". Firstly, i have trouble even looking anyone in the eyes (especially girls), I'm not very good at picking up "signs", like when a girl is just having a joke with me ill take it as if she likes me (I obviously won't do anything about it because of previously mentioned reasons) or if girls do like me I seem to be oblivious to it. Also whenever I talk to girls I always feel as if they judge everything I'm saying(obviously they aren't) and often because of this we come to a break in conversation or an awkward silence. I guess I'm not confident or don't have enough courage or something.

I'm just afraid of doing something I'll regret, like not taking that chance or not moving on or even missing that someone because I'm so obsessed.

Any advice would, again, would be greatly appreciated and thank you to the people who have been supportive.

/r/relationship_advice Thread