Dear Miss Emily:

I'm a student of engineering in my final year, and I'm madly attracted to my teacher. I know it's common, but what I feel for him is the most real thing I have felt, and I just can't help thinking about him. The problem is he might be committed. He is impassive, I mean I don't know what he feels for me but, somehow get the feeling that he is just amused by me or intrigued. Well, help me out here.

----------------------------Miss Emily's advice----------------------

This isn't the first letter I've gotten on this issue. The university may have a policy against getting involved with students. If that's the case, he won't budge and there is little you can do about it -- unless he were to take a risk, and that's dangerous to his career. To jeopardize his job would be a foolish mistake. I understand the draw, however, and it's frustrating to have these feelings and not be able to act on them. If you are bold, you could ask him to coffee and see how he responds. You'd also have to be willing to accept a "Thanks, but I can't" without feeling rejected or imploding on the spot. But at least you'd know where you stand.