Do you think it is better to have tried at love & totally lost (been rejected)?

I am thinking about professing my feelings towards a guy friend of mine, but I think I'm taking a risk here. Do you think no matter what the humiliation is, it is better to have loved and lost? Keep in mind, he could have the same feelings for me. I have low self esteem, so it is hard to say if he does or not. So, I'm worried that if I do take a chance, I will lose, and be forever sad, never to get over it, with him telling everyone how much I care for him & how little he does for me. He is a nice guy, though, a very nice guy. Do you think it is better to have tried at love, admitted your feelings, and totally been rejected or is it better to be prideful and never admit your feelings? Thanks!