Afraid that love hurts?

I've heard many say that it's tough to confess your love. Sometimes it's not necessary to speak those words. Your heartbeats are so well understood by her that you find words will only diminish the essence of it. And sometimes even if you strongly feel she knows how you feel for her you cannot get the courage to tell her. Why? Coz you fear rejection? You know she knows about your feelings. But you do not know how she feels for you. Girls, I guess, recognize the subtle hints faster than guys. Those subtle changes in your behavior and talk, that you never knew had crept in, give you away.
What after you've had a break up? Do you let your ego take first place?
What if it wasn't a fight that sparked the fire but a silly misunderstanding?
But what if you had to break up coz you found your family doesn't approve of your relationship or the sort?? You could kill your wishes to be with her, but what about her heart that still yearns for you?? You try walk out of her life with a notion that time heals and she'll come over it as time slugs by. Only to know that you are irreplaceable in her life. You wish her to be happy. But unknowingly make every single moment painful for her by increasing the distance. I know you are in as much pain and are ready to go through it just to see her happy in some time soon.
Now I have a few questions unanswered. If time is to heal all the wounds, how long will it be? Is that pain and suffering you are going through today any different from yesterdays?? Or the day before?? If it isn't then why don't you make her and yourself happy for today by letting her know you still love her (yes, say those three magical words. Sometimes you need reassurance.) And let the pain take over on that unseen tomorrow. If you can fight it today then you shall be able to fight it even tomorrow.