How do i love someone?

I think a love for a Dog (in your case also your friend) is different to that expected for partners. You shouldn't worry if you don't love someone from the first date.. that is pretty rare. It's not the case of oh god I don't love them... or Oh my god i am totally head over heels for them. you have to get through the space in between. I think perhaps you are a bit scared. Your Mum says she burried her heart with her Horse.. but that heart still loves you right? cos it isn't the same kind of love. I think you have related too much to what your mum has said and thought maybe that goes with you too and so have become a bit dismissive because you feel like it isn't possible. If you can see that it isn't going to last with that guy then don't be with him. If you want a relationship you have to find someone who is worth taking that chance with, not someone who is just interested in pleasing themselves on the first date.