A teenager who has become infatuated with her dad's work colleague has reached out for advice on how to tell him. The unnamed 17-year-old has revealed that the man is 34, and married.
She wrote to Agony Aunt Fiona Caine to ask what she should do next.
The woman, known as AC, wrote: "I am 17 and have fallen for a guy who works with my dad. I have known him for about two years and, although he hasn’t said so, I am sure he feels the same way about me.
"He’s 34, I think, and I dream of spending the rest of my life with him. I can’t stop thinking about him and I feel jealous whenever he goes home to his wife. I’ve kept my feelings a secret so far, but feel that I will burst if I don’t tell him soon. When do you think would be a good time talk with him?
"He often pops in after work for a cold beer or a coffee with my parents, but I am not sure I could get him alone long enough to explain my feelings. Do you think I should go to his house?"
Fiona replied: "There is no ‘good’ time and you’re deluding yourself if you think otherwise. I am sorry if this seems harsh, but in the absence of any indication from this man that he’s interested, you are simply setting yourself up for rejection and embarrassment. Not only is he already married, he’s also a friend of your parents and even if he does, respond to your approach, how do you think his wife will feel?
"Perhaps more importantly, how do you think your parents will react to one of their friends dating their daughter? Forget about this man and spend more time with friends more your own age. Perhaps then you can look for love among those who are free to return it."
