You've loved her for 3 years, she's brand new in this relationship. You're in two very different places. If you want her your going to have to start back at the beginning and bring her in gradually, not just jump in with the 'I love yous'. You'll just come off as creepy stalker who didn't have the balls to ask her out sooner so that you both might be on an even playing field. FYL OP, I hope it works out in the end, but you still handled the situation very poorly.

Tears of joy?

Dat bitch

Don't worry buddy, all girls are like this. They just don't know what to do in situations like these. Most girls don't want to hurt the guy, so they usually end up hurting themselves in the process. I'd give her some time then ask her to be straight up about what she thinks about you (not three years) and accept whatever that is. Goodluck!

I told my crush that she has the smile only heaven can make and we make plans for a date then the next day she says she only wants to be friends.

Maybe she was so full of joy that she started crying?

Dude I did the same thing it really sucks! If you really love her then keep trying maybe she will see that your a good guy. I fell in love with a girl the moment I laid eyes on her and didn't have the balls to tell her for two years! It still hasn't worked out. Keep at it.

self loathing type isn't that special anyway.. But i'm thinking maybe she pulled that "it's not you it's me" trick on you to spare you the pain of rejection. Either way, move on and know that 3 years of waiting would never come as advantage!

maby back it off a bit if this girl means that much to you work at it shes in a different place than you are dial your approach back some and test the waters instead of just dumping a ton of weight on her shouoders all at once try a feather at first and see if shes into the idea of you and work from there if not dont ruin your friendship which you may already have done but qt least try to repair the relationship dont just say **** it

Please... please... ignore the other guys telling you to keep trying. Please don't. I feel sorry for you, really, but accept she doesn't share your feelings and move on. On behalf of all the women in the world who have ever had a friend trying to get with them, I BEG YOU.