Should i hold back my feelings, and just wait?

well, to start off with i've known a lad for some time now and we have been speaking for the past year, and yes feelings have come on to me. he is 3 years older than i am but my family are fine with that as he is a respectable boy. i'm debating whether or not to tell him..he has clicked onto my feelings but i've never told him myself. should i come out straight, and just tell him ... or hold back and see where we go?