[Monsieur]

I'm sure you've all heard of that phrase or some variation of it. Perhaps maybe "Beauty and the Beast" is the most famous one. Traditionally a phrase referring to two people, usually a girl and guy who are of completely different social classes or appearances and what not (though usually it's the guy who has the ****** end of the stick) and fall in love regardless of these distinctions.

Well, I seem to have that sort of dilemma on my hands right now. And you guessed it, I'm the pauper and she's the princess. There's a twist in my little fairy tale though, it is not in fact the pauper who is driving against all odds for the princess's hand, but is actually the other way around. There happens to be a girl in my class who I have noticed to have taken a liking to me. It's been like that for a few months actually, first starting with infatuation (nervous talking, constantly looking at me), then settled down to admiration (talking about me indirectly with her friends), and now it seems to be a subtle attachment.

So what's the problem you say? Shouldn't I be happy that someone feels affection for me? Well, yes I suppose I'm flattered but I'm actually a bit more confused and nervous then anything. To be frank, she's waaaay above my league, like, probably light years ahead. Hence is where the Princess and the Pauper thing comes to mind. I really have no idea why such a beautiful and intelligent girl like her would be even wasting her time glancing at a disheveled and troubled poet like me. She's basically at the top of the popularity ladder, while me, I'm the ghost that doesn't even appear on radar.

When she first starting taking a liking to me I was a bit shocked, yet flattered nonetheless. I figured this affection was merely a short term thing, after a week I would once again resume my place as a ghost. But it didn't end. And gosh, I am absolutely stunned. It's been a few months now, I haven't even spoken a single word to her and barely looked her way and yet she still continues to attempt to get my attention and such.

I don't really know what to do right now, I've never had a girl show interest in me for such a long time, especially when I've never even spoken to her. A part of me feels guilty for letting her hang like that, that she's extending the opportunity for me to make a move and I'm not taking it. Another part of me is still really worried about it, I overheard her talking about the numerous other guys she's carried with. There's no way I could match up to those other guys....I'm a social recluse and a self contained introvert while she's a well rounded extrovert. Don't get me wrong though, she's not an airhead or bimbo of any sort. She's the type who excels in everything apparently...I would only drag her down.

Ah, I could really use some advice right now besides "go for it" or "just talk to her". I'm a social recluse...the art of words is my main dexterity but the last time I tried writing something for a girl I was basically branded creepy.

Thank you for your time,
~Monsieur

In your profile you list social phobia as an issue. The attention of this girl, however, has piqued your interest. Despite being an introvert, you are curious and introspective. You like to get to the bottom of things. The question then becomes why would such a popular girl be interested in me?

You tell us she excels at everything. She no doubt knows enough about you that you show up on her radar screen. She wants to get to know you despite what you perceive to be your shortcomings. It is your perception that you would drag her down. She obviously does not agree.

She may be just the person you need to become more comfortable in a social setting. It is not like you have to date or even hang together. Having a friendship is good for both of you.

She presents a risk to you that you find uncomfortable; but also intriguing. You have to decide if you want to say, "Hello."

[salukigirl]

Obviously if she is showing interest then the problem is with your own confidence and self-esteem. I wonder all the time why my boyfriend thinks I'm attractive but he does so it must be me that has the scewed sense of self.

[SilverNeurotic]

Every person has a different perception on the other people around them. Just because she's popular and "perfect" doesn't mean that automatically she should dislike you, on the contrary, she sounds like she's more mature than a lot of your classmates. Give her a chance to let her get to know you.

[Monsieur]

Thank you for your advice Byzantine, Saluki, and Silver! Sorry I haven't responded to this thread at all, but rest assured I've been reading your responses none the less! I'll post a more thorough update at a later date however, for right now I've got a headache.

~Monsieur