My student has a crush on me! What do I do?

[SlightlyBurnedPizza]

I (27) M have been a foreign English teacher in Cambodia for almost a year now.

Yesterday something special happened and I caught 3 of my students playing truth or dare all 14 year old girls. They asked 1 girl if they had a crush on me and her face turned bright red and she said yes. Another girl said she has a crush on me as well and the 3d one just laughed at the other 2.

One of them thought I overheared them so instead of hiding it she thought she would tell me so I wouldn't hear about it through rumors. I told here that I'm already in a happy relationship and I'm never planning to go out with students here (even though the legal age is 15, I really want to avoid bad accusations)

I love my students and I dont want to hurt them, I also dont want them to get bullied for it and I dont want to have anyone accusing me of predatory stuff. I have told my girlfriend (21F) already since we have a 100% honesty policy with these kind of things and she also has no idea what to do. Although she doesn't blame me for anything either.

At the moment I think its best to act as if nothing happened. But is there something bad that can come of this or anything I can do to make the girls move on without hurting them or causing a scene?

[Oliverlogan263]

This is a really tricky situation. As a teacher, you have a duty of care for your students, so any romantic relationships would be off limits and unethical. Some things I would recommend:

-Politely but clearly reinforce appropriate boundaries. Make it clear you only see them as students and can't see them in any other way.

-Talk to the girls privately and gently. Explain that while flattered, teacher-student relationships can't happen and could get you into serious trouble. Assure them it's nothing to do with them personally.

-Be aware your words and actions are open to misinterpretation due to their ages and crushes. Maintain an appropriate distance and don't give the impression of playing favorites.

-Inform your supervisor confidentially for guidance and cover yourself. They may be able to discreetly advise the girls too.

-Give it time - young crushes often fade. Act normally but avoid one-on-one situations that could fan flames. Keep things professional.

-If they seem distressed, reassure them it won't affect your teachings. But don't dwell on it or do anything that could encourage feelings.

With empathy, patience and clear boundaries, hopefully their crushes will run their natural course without issues. But protect yourself by prioritizing your responsibilities as their teacher first. Hope this perspective helps!

[AlexEfron]

It's best not to encourage it. It's pretty normal I guess. Just ignore.

[Cutegirl06]

I had a crush on a teacher when I was 15. I told some girls and they told everyone in class in front of the teacher. I was so embarrassed I ran out of class the teacher talked to me after class he was so sweet about it. He told me he was very flattered and how he could never share my feelings for him because he was older than me and that as a young girl it is normal to have a crush on someone older. Even though it hurt I realize now he was right. He really respected my feelings he could have just laughed at me.

[Cutegirl06]

Thanks for MHO!!

[4ngelic]

just forget about it. its litterally super super common. every teacher unless they're ugly has students have crushes on them. if you're a cute teacher its bound to happen all the time. the only thing you can do to make sure nothing bad happens is when you let them down do it very nicely but straighforwardly. also with girl students, its best to avoid being alone with one. so no one can ever accuse you of anything

[TacosRAwesome]

They're you're students. Don't shit where you eat. Don't fuck the hand that feeds you etc etc.

[Anonymous]

i had a crush on a teacher like this and he didn't do anything but even now i still wish he had

[AlexEfron]

Don't give him funny ideas 😂

[rienna888]

Do nothing act if you never heard shit

[getwiththepg]

It’s too late. They walked up to him and told him so he wouldn’t hear it from other students later.

[rienna888]

@getwiththepg well just don’t acknowledge it. Even if the student does have a crush, there’s nothing he can do about it. What can he do? Date the student? 🤢