I like him but I'm not over my ex

Ok this is going to be a long story. Basically I left school last year, and I've now been at college since september. There's this guy that I've liked for a few months, and I think I might have a chance with him. I kind of feel like I want to tell him how I feel. Also, on Valentine's day the college magazine did this thing where you can write a message to someone you like anonymously. I wrote him one, and I know he saw it but I still haven't told him it was me. This is another reason why I should tell him, because I would definitely want to know if I was in his position. I've planned how and when I shoul tell him, and I don't think it would go to badly. I actually think we would work quite well as a couple. BUT there's one problem. I can't forget my ex! I was with him on and off for about 18 months when we were at school, and then we were sort of friends with benefits (although we were only friends half the time) for about a year after we broke up. He always treated me like crap; when we were together he cheated and lied, and after we broke up he'd act like my best friend one minute and be a jerk the next. I should have stopped speaking to him after we broke up the first time, but I loved him so much that I kept taking him back, and even when I finally realised we would never work out I couldn't help being FWB. He was my first boyfriend, and my first major crush, so I guess it makes sense for me to hold on to him even when I don't want to. I haven't seen him since we left school last June, but we have talked over Facebook and Twitter. He's being a jerk as always, but I just can't block or delete him because I'd miss him too much. Every time I hear a song about being in a similar situation I think of him for the rest of the day. I need to forget him but I can't! Anyway, back to the guy I like now. I really like him, but sometimes I feel like I wouldn't even be happy in a relationship with him because of my ex boyfriend. He's really nice, and if it wasn't for my ex boyfriend he would be the perfect person for me. But I don't want to ask him out in case my feelings for my ex don't change. I can see myself either being really happy and comfortable with him, or breaking the relationship off within a month because he doesn't compare with my ex. I would hate to do the last one, because I honestly think we could work out, but what if we don't? I feel like being in a happy relationship might even be the final step in me forgetting the way the other guy broke my heart. That sounds like I want to use this guy to get over someone else, but I genuinely don't, I really like him and I want to be with him! So what should I do? Thankyou so much if you actually read this long message, please give me some advice guys I feel so stuck.

Put the internet to work for you. via Personal Recipe 2629979