DEAR CHRISTINE, I hope this letter finds you in good health and great shape.
I am a 55-year-old man with three children. I’m in excellent health and have been happily married for over 30 years.
I have a woman friend at work who is 28 years old. We talk a lot, and I buy her chocolate once a week. I have never tried to see her outside of work and don’t intend to, but I like her very much.
Is there something wrong with me that I like her so much? I think about her constantly. She says it’s no problem. I am so fond of her it drives me crazy. I have no bad intentions toward her, and I’m not looking for an affair. She is just such a sweet young lady.
Is it normal to feel like this? Do you think I should try to forget about her?
– B.L.
Dear B.L.,
I am almost 100 per cent sure that this woman sees you as a good friend. Obviously, though, youare concerned about your feelings. It is hard to forget someone you’re going to see every day you go to work. So what doyou do?
I believe you have a crush on this younger woman and because she willingly accepts your gift of chocolates, you may be thinking somewhere in the back of your mind there is a possibility that friendship will grow.
Please understand that you are in the throes of an old-fashioned crush. Accept it for what it is; enjoy it while it lasts. The intensity will lessen eventually.
To help hasten this progress, you should stop purchasing chocolates for her. This will not only hasten the process of forgetting her, somewhat, but you will also feel less guilty about your actions.
– CHRISTINE