A mentally handicapped person has a crush on me, what to do?

[Anonymous]

I know a mentally handicapped person who really likes me and has a crush on me, she needs someone to look after her. I don't know if it would be okay to date her or not, any advice?

[Anonymous]

Are you her caregiver or social worker? If so, no, you cannot date her. That would be violating professional boundaries. If it is just as a friend, then sure. Just please don't take advantage of her.

[Asker]

Her caregiver said they were willing to accompany us on a "date" so to speak.

[Opinion Owner]

Well I don't see any harm in it, as long as she knows that it doesn't automatically mean you are her boyfriend. Sometimes people who are mentally handicapped can read too much into things so it is important to create boundaries from the start (my sister is mentally handicapped).

[Asker]

I'm worried about her feelings getting hurt, what if she still likes me years from now, but I'm with someone else? That might be harsh for her.

[Opinion Owner]

I think it might be helpful to tell her that you just want to be friends right now and would like to hang out with her just as friends. Hopefully she can understand that, but if not, then you may have to distance yourself.

[HuckleberryHound723]

Only if you honestly think you like her back at least equally as much as she likes you.

[Guyofallguys2]

Depends how handicapped.