[Calissa]

OK, the thing is, I really like this guy, he's sweet, a gentlemen, he's really cute and we both love a lot of the same things. The thing is, he's nine years older than me. I'm 13 and he's 22, but we're really good friends. He treats me like I'm his age! He'd never do anything bad to me, and he's so nice! No one else knows I like him though. What should I do?

[odinn7]

Stay away from him before he winds up going to jail.

[DoulaLC]

You have a crush on him, but be careful you don't read more into his being nice to you. He likely has no interest in you in the way that you like him... at least he shouldn't. Best to stay away. Don't let your imagination get the best of you. You will only end up getting hurt and he could end up in trouble.

How are you good friends? How did you meet? Is he a friend of your family's?

[Calissa]

All of the above. He's watched me grow up, and I'm really good friends with him and his family. And, he hasn't done anything bad at all! He's a religeos guy, who's been great friends with me, since I was 3!

[DoulaLC]

I wouldn't expect him to do anything bad. He sounds like a nice guy, but again, he is much older than you are. It is understandable that you would have a crush on someone who treats you well and that you have known for a long time.

Since you know your feelings can not be shared by him, it would be best for you to try and focus on boys your own age. If that means you start to spend less time around him, then that is what you need to do if it helps. Try to think of him more as a big brother since that he how he probably thinks of you... as a little sister.

[Calissa]

Oh, OK! That makes sense! Thanks!

[Calissa]

Also, a few friends have married guys 12-19 years older than them?

[Homegirl 50]

Also, a few friends have married guys 12-19 years older than them?

They were probably adults when they married. You are far from an adult and I'm sure he is not thinking in those terms about you. He should not be anyway.