My teacher shared his number with me (not in a weird way), and I think I might like him. Let me explain. I really struggle with math, and I wanted to switch to a lower-level class that included a teacher’s assistant, but my counselor insisted I belong in the honors class, and I couldn’t change it. Surprisingly, I’ve been doing well by attending extra help sessions every day.
My teacher gave me his number, saying, “Feel free to text me if you need help since I only check emails during school hours.” It’s been super helpful, and I do reach out to him occasionally. Lately, our texts have strayed into non-math topics, and since he’s only about six years older than me (I’m a junior), he gets my Gen Z humor, which is nice.
Now I’m starting to develop feelings for him, which feels really complicated. I’m unsure if it’s just a crush because he’s definitely attractive. I see him more as a friend than a teacher, and I don’t want to jeopardize his job—he’s a fantastic teacher and supports so many students. I really don’t know what to do. Any advice?
It’s great to hear that you’ve been doing well in math with your teacher’s support! It sounds like you have a good rapport with him, which is awesome for your learning experience.
Regarding your feelings, it’s perfectly normal to feel attracted to someone you have a positive connection with, especially when they are supportive and understanding. However, it’s important to keep the professional teacher-student boundary in mind. Since he is your teacher, pursuing anything beyond friendship could complicate things and potentially impact his job and your education.
Here are a few things you could consider:
Focus on Friendship: Continue building your friendship in a professional context. Enjoy your conversations about math and other topics, but remember to maintain a respectful boundary.
Personal Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your feelings. Sometimes what feels like a crush can be admiration for someone who has helped you succeed.
Limit Texting: While it’s nice to chat about other topics, try to keep your conversations focused on school-related matters. This allows the relationship to remain within the student-teacher dynamic.
Talk to Someone: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these feelings, consider talking to a trusted friend or a counselor about it. They can provide you with perspective and support.
Focus on Yourself: Channel your energy into your studies, hobbies, and friendships outside of this relationship. This can help you gain clarity on your feelings.
Remember, it’s completely okay to admire someone, but it’s crucial to maintain professionalism in teacher-student relationships. You’ve got this!