First possible relationship

So I like this guy in my class at college and he likes me back. He isn't really anything like the type of guy that I would normally like but he's just so funny and sweet that I can't help but like him. The problem is I'm a really really shy person around most people.. and even more so around him. I can't help it. I just get all quiet and I can't look him in the eye for more than a second. I don't know how to get over it. My shyness is something that doesn't go away, ever. I have friends I've known for years and I'm still pretty shy around them. I really want to be able to talk to him and be myself around him. I don't want him to like me for something that's not really me if that makes sense.

Also I've never been in a relationship before or anything close to one and I've never liked a guy that's actually liked me back like this so it's all so weird and surreal to me. I'm scared to get too into it in case it all goes wrong. I'm meant to be going out with him for the first time on valentines with 2 of his friends and their girlfriends as like a triple date and he wants to buy me gifts and everything.

I'm just so scared and worried and I'm just angry at myself for not being able to talk but I don't know what to do.. What am I meant to do if I don't stop being shy around him? He says it doesn't bother him but that's for now.. and even if it doesn't bother him it bothers me a lot. I don't want to be stuck like this. It makes me hate myself so much. How do really really shy people even manage to get into relationships?

Hi ~ It's only natural to be shy around him right now, because you don't know him very well. But once you get to know him and you two spend a little time together, it will get MUCH easier to talk to him. I'll bet that on your Valentine's date, you two will begin talking cause you'll have others around to help, and it will just start flowing and get alot easier. You'll feel more comfortable around him. I wouldn't worry about it. I think everyone feels nervous & shy on a first date. And if it doesn't bother him, try to relax. He likes you just the way you are.

I hope you have a great time -- and I hope you'll let us know how it went. God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee

Hi,
I am very shy too. I have found that just letting people know, does help. I find that I am often harder on myself than most others would be. It sounds like you have told him you feel shy and he has said this is ok with him. He likes you. Maybe it is ok if you just believe this and work form there. It sounds like you are hard on yourself for your shyness( I really can relate). And, I can tell you that sometimes we get in our own way. What we believe about ourselves is not what others believe. Getting out of our heads about what we see as our faults is important. Shyness is not a fault, it is a personality trait. It is not a bad one, just one that makes its owner mostly judge him or herself. He clearly likes you (shyness and all). I expect you have many wonderful qualities, shyness is only one piece of who you are, I am sure. And, it is not a bad trait. It has many positives. Generally a person who is shy has good compassion, insight, and empathy(to name a few things...) I hope you wont put pressure on yourself to different.