Love is one heck of a thing, but how do you know that you are really in love? You may have someone you think you love, but in actuality you may nott, and they may be in the same situation. Take it from me. I've been in that situation many times. Now I'm not saying you should break up with them. In fact, do whatever you can to make it last. You know, maybe the bigger question is "What is love and how can I find it?"
Now I'm not an expert on love (I'm lucky if I can get someone to hang out for something other than school or work.), and with me and women it's "Easy come, easier go", but love is something that does not come upon your request. It is something you have to be patient with. Love is not something that you can go out looking for (Hence why all those assholes at the bar always go home alone). Love is something that just comes to you. Now granted you may make the first move, but that isn't love. That's just you putting yor arm around someone, or you kissing someone. Love is that happiness, that support that you get from having someone in your life who is always there for you, especially when you need them the most.
Unfortunately I cannot give you a sure fire formula to finding love. Love, as stated before, is something that cannot be looked for. But I can give you a few tips. Here goes:
1. If there is someone you think you love, try just hanging out with them first. Try to find a common interest and use that to get to know them better. There have been many times in which I hung out with someone and wondered what I saw in them.
2. If after hanging out with them, you really think you like them, don't waste time. I'm not saying you should make the first move right away. I'm saying that you should try to go on an actual date with them.
3. After the first date, try to make the first move, but do this in private. Unfortunately rejection will happen to you, but at least it will happen in private if you make the first move in private.
4. Wait to say those magical 3 words. You know which ones I'm talking about. A funny idea would be to hide it by saying something like "I heart you." instead. It's especially funny if you build up the moment first. Anyway, if you say the magical 3 words too early, the other person may think that you want to rush into things.
5. It never hurts to just be friends with someone. In fact, you may be better off as opposed to dating them. Sometimes having someone as a friend rather than a partner is better off. You won't have the committment that way. Yeah it may hurt, especially when they start dating again, but you will get over it, and they will still come to you when they need help.
6. Wait until the appropriate time to do it. You know what I mean. Don't do it on the first date. Seriously, you will regret it.
7. Lastly, open relationships also work. It's kinda being more than friends with the person, but not exactly dating. It leaves the options open for you. The only problem with this is that it leaves the options open for the other person as well.