It can be very simple.
How and when do I stop myself from living an uncomplicated life?
Asking for what I want means….
She will see me as vulnerable. She will reject me. She won’t like me. She will see me as greedy. She will see me as selfish. She will talk about me behind my back. I will feel too exposed.
What I am most afraid would happen if I told her how much she means to me, is….
She won’t say anything. She will see me as naive. She will dismiss me. We will feel uncomfortable. She will leave. She will talk about me behind my back. They will make fun of me. They will mock me.