What do you do if you have a crush on someone who's a lot older—a teacher, a swim coach, the friend of your much older brother? Should you tell him how you feel?

Some girls may develop a crush on a teacher or crushes on someone who's older. Maybe the guy seems more confident, mature, and intelligent than guys your own age. But there's a major difference between having a crush on someone and confessing your feelings to him.

Instead, think about the qualities you like about your crush on a teacher and try to find someone closer to your own age who possesses these same admirable traits and qualities. Do you like the way your teacher listens to what you have to say? Well, why not keep that in mind as an important trait you'd want in someone you'd date who's closer to your age.

Crush on a Teacher: Pressures and Risks

No matter how mature you might be, a lot of pressures go along with dating someone older. And if you reveal your feelings to your older crush, you'll be sorry as soon as he makes you realize you're too young for him, or that dating you would be wrong.

Or what if your crush has given you a sign that he might be interested in you? Then you should talk to a parent or an adult you trust. You might be flattered, but he's acting inappropriately.