Posted by deirdrehbrt on December 6, 2003, at 22:23:05
In reply to I like my professor... uh oh, posted by Civ on December 5, 2003, at 14:05:51
Civ,
Being interested in someone is not a bad thing at all. The difficulty comes when interest becomes action.
Teachers in primary, and High School, are usually required to take a number of courses in which they learn proper boundaries. A teacher is in a position of authority over her/his students. If romantic feelings are allowed to germinate, then the teacher has taken advantage over her/his students. The teacher could be disciplined because of this.
In college, a professor may not have any formal training in teaching. She may or may not understand these boundaries. I would expect that each institution would have it's own rules regarding romantic relationships between faculty and students.
I cannot be certain, but I would expect that the relationship you describe may not be permitted by your school. I might also think that the relationship is the best thing for you right now. Academically, I do not see how pursuing a relationship with an instructor can be good for your coursework. How do you remember the course material while you are concentrating on the instructor?
Likewise, how can she maintain a clear mind while teaching, and at the same time ogling a student. Furthermore, other students may pick up on the non-verbal communication.
I think, that if it were me, I would rather play safe than sorry. There will come a time when you have graduated, and then you both will be free to mingle without it having to affect her teaching or your learning. You are not really that far apart in age. I have an uncle and aunt who are eight years apart.
I'm sorry if I sound preachy. I really do care.
Dee.
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:286856
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031124/msgs/287295.html