The Friendship DTR

I've heard it said that the DTR conversation (Determine The Relationship, where I guy says to a girl that he likes that he likes her, and he declares his intentions) can be terrifying. What if she doesn't like me at all? What if she laughs at me? What if we can't even be friends or look each other in the eye after this? This is what guys across the nation in high schools and colleges and beyond are dealing with. But surely once you get married all that ends, right? With the opposite sex, yes. But with girlfriends, it is terrifying now to say to a good friend of mine, "I value your friendship." I can't remember ever having been so scared in my life-not when I accidentally stapled my thumb or poked my eye with the radio antennae or fell off of my kayak into the lake. Why is it so hard? I can think of a few reasons for me, and I think it is interesting to ponder the question. Is it hard for you to be honest with others and share your feelings?