Should I tell him I love him?

I am in love with someone who I think does love me...perhaps not romantically...maybe romantically?...but he has an outrageously busy school and work schedule (as do I) which would make a relationship hard. But I am madly and wildly in love with him and the L word is crushing upon me and demanding me to say it...I just don't know if I should. Perhaps it won't be reciprocated, which I'm at the point where, even if it's temporarily "no" now, there's a chance it could be reciprocated later down the road. I'm much more certain not just of my feelings for him but his feelings for me, but there's still that fear to tell him no and to face much more than a no...maybe an awkwardness in the friendship, maybe heartbreak. I don't think we'd lose the friendship, we are very close now and I feel certain that even if he doesn't feel the same, we'd still be friends.

But to me, it's not natural to NOT tell someone I love them...I'm not talking romantically here, I am used to telling the people I care about I love them, so it's awkward and restraining for me to not tell him I love him...but then again, I do have romantic feelings for him, more than friendship.

What should I do? If I love him, and even if he doesn't feel exactly the same but it's natural for me to say so, should I tell him I love him? Do I continue to bite my tongue? *sigh* It's driving me crazy!

There’s no ‘should’, it’s your choice. You seem to have a handle on the pros and cons of his reaction. Trust yourself. I’m glad you have someone you feel love for!

Although I am not really an extrovert, I have always taken the position that being out there with how I feel about someone is the best policy. For example, I am in a sort of extended uncoupling process with someone I spent 14 years with and have a child with. She does not understand the concept that I will always love her. Black and white thinker. As far your situation goes, why try to lie to yourself or him? You don't have to overwhlem him with a tsunami of love proclamations, but you could still communicate the basics and get the job done. Then, see what happens.

I have been in your shoes twice. The first woman was very receptive, to my surprise, and we ended up being married for 17 years. She turned out to be a bit**. Oh well. I tried. The second woman was actually pissed at me, seriously pissed, for me sharing that I was fairly certain I loved her. She was a work colleague from another country. Long story. Anyhow, we wound up together for some extended period of time, but the 8000 mile distance was hard, ultimately. In any case, very glad I told from my heart and have no regrets.

So, I say, speak your truth and be at peace.

Dont do it. Go running instead.

Go with your gut! If You love Him tell Him! You'll never know how He feels if You don't say what You feel! Be positive!

If you have to puzzle or ask about it then imo the answer is "no" or "not yet".

When both mind and heart are ready you'll know and you won't need to puzzle or ask.