HELP!

To cut a very long story short, I have been texting a lad from work for nearly a year now, I am 18, he is 21. Nothing has ever happened apart from the odd hug and we occasionally socialise outside work within a big group of people. We both know we like each other, but whenever he asks me out on a date I always refuse... reason being we are the complete opposite, my parents would not like him, he comes across cocky and arrogant, even though this isn't his true self its just a jokey front. I know his true side (but then my mates wonder if this side is just an act for me?)

I often think to myself if he wasn't serious would he still be here waiting for me nearly a year on? He gives off signs that he likes me e.g always goes out his way to see me in work, his face lights up when we see each other, always willing to talk and listen, remembers everythin I say, tries to get close to me, and he likes to wind me up in a funny and jokey way and also likes to touch my hair and arms and stuff.

Now I am the complete opposite to him, dead shy and nervous, never been in a relationship, not really ever kissed a lad before and I am very self concsious over weight and other things such as the stretch marks I have on my waist and boobs and thighs and just little things that lead to bigger problems leaving me with no self esteem and fear at the idea of committing myself to someone.

Can anyone help me? What should I do? I'm scared of getting myself into a mess or tricky situation or getting involed with someone I shouldn't be or getting with someone who just wants sex or something?

But although I have all these fears, which my mates try to tell me is heart and mind telling me to leave it, as they know best, but deep deep down I think I do really really really like him, as I think about him constantly and I could wait all day for a text and if he doesn't text I get really upset and I miss him like hell when I'm not in work or I work on his day off, its crazy I have never felt like this before but the idea of taking it further freaks me out?

Please help why do I feel this way?

It sounds to me like you really do like him... and I also think that your right in thinking that he must be serious if he's been waiting a year for you and still texts you everyday and comes to see you at work I would say he is serious and I doubt he would have waited a year just for sex.
Your mates sound like there worried and they have the right to be... if they don't know him they can't really comment but if they know this guy then I would listen to what they have to say and take it on board but ultimately you probably know him better than them so its up to you.. just don't ignore them.
As for the weight issue I know it can be hard... I am concsious of my weight because well I'm not a size 4 or even a 14 but if this guy really likes you which he seems to do he won't care and he will probably make you feel better about yourself and give you more self confidence I know my boyfriend did.
Good luck x