[dooney]

I need some advice please. There’s this young man whom whilst legally an adult is younger than I, there for I will refer to him as a boy, who is showing signs of interest in myself. This is definitely something I do not want, but no doubt something I caused. You see when I am in my happy, up faze of what I now know to be my bipolar cycle, I am very friendly, not what I would have called flirty but maybe (I HOPE NOT). This may have been when I first tweaked his attention. However lately his attention and interest toward me has become obvious, to the point of what looks like his going out of his way to bump into me and talk. (He is a nice Kid). But as I said he his younger than me and for other reasons any kind of relationship would be inappropriate. I have made a point of going out of my way to avoid him, when I have to go near his place of work at the Mall and when I am accidentally in his area rudely ignoring him (this I HATE doing). I really would like to put and end to this whole thing before it gets to the point where, there maybe an approach made or feelings made obvious (this would be greatly embarrassing especially for him). Another thing is I fall very far from perfection and the boy is good looking, I do not want to make the mistake or harm him by fall short and being tempted (biblical term not intended). So I obviously want to bring this to an end with out talking to the boy in private surroundings. For those who wish to reprimand me feel free. I have no excuse for my behavior, I also am angry with myself. Please hand out advice freely and liberally. If this is inappropriate to put her just say so. (considering I’m not good looking by any stretch of the imagination this should not be happening to me)

[conklinca]

I would just keep acting uninterested--probably not by avoiding him, because then you can never hint effectively. But when he talks to you, be polite but short and to the point and don't smile too much, and don't initiate conversations with him or look his direction without a definite purpose.

I wouldn't bring up a conversation with him about the matter at this point; you likely would make him feel like an idiot, because that's how most people feel when someone they like tells them bluntly that they're not interested. Only adress the problem if he does, first. I've found a semi-delicate way of handling that type of situation: explain that you are indeed flattered by his attentions, but that a relationship with him isn't a good idea because________ (think of some really good, irrefutable reason).