DEAR HARRIETTE: I just learned that one of my clients has a nephew who is probably 30 years younger than I am, and he has a big crush on me. I knew he tended to act extra friendly, but it never once occurred to me that he was being anything other than a proper gentleman. Not only is he vastly younger than me, but I also am happily married for as many years as he has been on the planet. How can I continue to treat this lovely young man in a kind way while also making it clear that there's no secret romance that will ever blossom between us? -- Drawing the Line, Wilmington, Delaware
DEAR DRAWING THE LINE: Crushes are real and occur across all kinds of boundaries. They are not bound by convention or any other cultural marker, as they are triggered by a physical reaction inside of your body. That said, crushes do not have to be acted upon or even acknowledged. You are likely better off remaining kind to this young man, treating him with the appropriate respect that you always have and ignoring his attraction to you. If, for some reason, you feel like he is getting out of line, however, you can thank him for his apparent interest in you, but remind him that you are happily married. No more discussion needed.