Don't be afraid of love. Your friends are more than likely just confusing love with infatuation or lust. Love is soo much deeper than anything I have ever experienced. You just know when you love someone. But don't be afraid to let the other person know exactly how you feel about them. I recently lost a friend who had heart problems and realized that life is too short. You will feel so much better once you get it off of your chest. When you go to bed thinking about him and wake up and he is the first thing on your mind and you truly care for him. You cannot picture yourself without him and don't even picture other guys then you know that it is love. Love is more than butterflies, you have to love the person for their details. Oh, and don't worry about how your mom thinks you should feel. It is your feelings and no one can change them. If she loves you then she will understand your feelings. Maybe (if you are close to your mom) you could explain your feelings to her and she can give you advice and talk to you about when she dated. It could be helpful. But for now, when you are with him, try to spot out all the special little qualities and habbits that you love about him. Then when you have the courage, you can tell him and have reasons and details for him to make it even more special. That is what my bf did and I will never forget it and I will always remember that I am special and that he really does care. Tell me how it goes, I wish you the best in whatever you do decide!!