How do i know if this is real?

First and foremost, im 18, a shy type of guy, and i've never had a girlfriend. Im no ***** or anything so i dont want to hear any smart *** remarks from ignorant punk *** people. anyway, i've been talkin to this girl for awhile. we flirt all the time at work but that's just her personality. yesterday, she told me that she loved me. i told her that i loved her back and she told me that it made her feel good. i dont like to generally ociate this with a female but sometimes a girl will say anything for some . but that doesnt mean it goes for all girls so dont give me any heat about it. people at work tell me that i should ask the girl out but i cant bring myself to doin it! i mean i can say whatever i feel through text messages but i want to man up and ask her out face-to-face. i really havent had a high level of confidence in my life so i cant just go to her and ask her. i really dont dig rejection so i want to make sure that this is real before askin her out. is this real???