Is it okay to express your feelings for someone even if you don't think they reciprocate

No.

They won't appreciate it. This is a VERY bad idea.

If you tell them you love them, you won't be in the same social group anymore.

Why I kinda did they'll take a few days to see it

I do actually mostly in group settings. Yeah they have, but I don't have confidence that it means we would date

Why's that

Why's that

If you want to give up your feelings and pursuit then yes, if not then no.

That's a really bad idea. Don't do it.

Even if this person likes you and enjoys your company, they won't appreciate it. It'll make them feel uncomfortable and wary of you. As others have said, love is way too big a word for someone you're not in a relationship with.

I know you mean well, but read about love bombing and why it's bad.

As an aside, be mindful of why you feel you love them. Have you been harboring those feelings for a long time without expressing them? Did you build a future with them in your head? Some of those things can come off as staker-ish if dumped on someone, making them feel you've included them in something without their input.

That's why you should take it slow and don't go straight to talking about love.

I don't think anyone would hate you for asking them out on a date.

Even if OP understands their own feelings and does love this person they do know, it's still a bad idea to say that now.

I've been in a similar situation and believe you. Still don't say it _until you're dating_, there are plenty of good people who will be scared if you say it too soon.

Ok, great. I understand the position you're in. It can get lonely being by yourself and can be a heavy weight. And just about everyone has been stung by rejection and it can hurt like hell. But it's so important to temper your expectations until you can draw things out naturally. And even if this person does like you and would like to date you, you're going to put a ton of pressure on them if you burst out and say "I love you" right away. And even if you're in a group with them it should be easy to find a moment when just the 2 of you are together and start a conversation about something. Or open a door for them, or offer them something you're eating. Be attentive but not overbearing. And then maybe see if they're open to doing something just with you. See a movie, play a video game together, go to a museum ... Just be cool. So instead of saying "I love you", say, "I had a great time". See what happens from there!

It depends. I've been on the other side and I'm glad they told me, but we were good friends. But it is awkward and uncomfortable, it just in that case made it so it was mutually understood what was happening as we drifted apart, rather than leaving me wondering why and them wondering what if.

Ultimately that's the thing, if it's probably a no, then you're more likely balancing a question of how much it needs to be said with how awkward you expect it to be, though likelihood of reciprocation is still a factor here, it's just that even at a definite no it may be worth it.

Most importantly though is about making it clear you'll respect however they feel. I wish I didn't have to say that, but unfortunately some people need it said.

Good point, but it's also important to learn to flirt with it. I have good friends that I do all those things (except flirt) with, and it's entirely platonic (some I find attractive, but have no romantic intentions towards, others aren't my type).