I normally am not even that attracted to women so this is almost new for me. There is a teacher at my school who is in her early twenties, and she's very very beautiful both physically and as a person. I often find myself thinking about her at random times and finding excuses to talk to her in between classes, or when I see her in the halls. When I need advice I always go to her first because I trust her judgment and can have an intelligent conversation with her, something I am unable to do with other people my age most of the time. Sometimes she'll even start a conversation with me.

Problem is, it's not just a small crush because she's cute, I actually believe I have real feelings for her. We have so much in common; we watch all the same shows on TV, we find all of the same celebrities attractive, and we have similar personalities. If there wasn't age difference I think we'd be really good together. But there is age difference and even though she looks my age, she is still a teacher. I always know what to and not to say and what may be considered inappropriate; like the other day I told her "You look very nice today" instead of "OMG you're so ****ing hot" (what I was really thinking).

This is where the advice comes in; I have two more years until I graduate and turn 18. I have no idea if she is going to still be at my school, but in the meantime do you think it's best if I try to stop having any additional feelings for her? Yesterday in school some kid who made me feel like **** was like, "Awwww what's wrong? Gonna run and cry to your 'girlfriend' ? " and comments like this make me uncomfortable because they could be taken very seriously even though there's nothing going on.

But at the same time I don't feel this way for anyone else at the moment and I don't want to. And although I'm more attracted to guys, I feel more comfortable getting close to women and girls than guys.

if it's hurting you, you should probably try to find a way to stop feeling that way about her, though i wouldn't recommend ending your friendship with her unless it's vital. even if the feelings are legitmate, it's very possible that they'll eventually go away if nothing happens between you. in the case that you fall for someone else in the meantime, you shouldn't hold yourself back because of your teacher. it would be a shame to miss out on what could be a great relationship because you were waiting for someone you may not end up with.

I don't know that it's hurting me so much, but I am afraid that if I continue to have such strong feelings for her, I will end up trying to find someone who is like her and be more closed-minded about meeting other people.

I do think it'd work out if there wasn't an age difference though. :)

I had a teacher crush while I was in school, too. It was on my English teacher. I had him for all four years of HS, so the crush had time to really develop. Near the end I hung around him a little too much! I sort of think he knew I admired him and had a crush without me telling him, though.

Well, what I would do is use your feelings towards her as a motivational tool for yourself - think to yourself WHY you like this person and then try to find those same good qualities in yourself, or to perhaps do well in school as a whole. I think in time it will wear off...you're really young with a full life ahead of you. I had a crush on one of my college professors (too bad he was married tho....LOL). Don't worry - this will wear off eventually - teacher crushes usually do.

Well, what I would do is use your feelings towards her as a motivational tool for yourself - think to yourself WHY you like this person and then try to find those same good qualities in yourself, or to perhaps do well in school as a whole. I think in time it will wear off...you're really young with a full life ahead of you. I had a crush on one of my college professors (too bad he was married tho....LOL). Don't worry - this will wear off eventually - teacher crushes usually do.

What ends up happening is, when I try to find someone my own age who appeals to me in a similar way, it all keeps coming back to her. she's like, the epitome of what I look for in someone else and nobody else quite captures my attention the way she does.

i'm sure i will feel differently in a few months but you never know, lol. i tend to have crushes that last a while.

Well, what I would do is use your feelings towards her as a motivational tool for yourself - think to yourself WHY you like this person and then try to find those same good qualities in yourself, or to perhaps do well in school as a whole. I think in time it will wear off...you're really young with a full life ahead of you. I had a crush on one of my college professors (too bad he was married tho....LOL). Don't worry - this will wear off eventually - teacher crushes usually do.
I agree 100%. When I was 16, I had a HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE crush on our new youth group leader. It led to all sorts of problems, since he was 11 years older than me and not to mention, newly married. If it's too much to deal with, maybe you should just back away.