DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a sophomore in college, and I’m in a relationship with my professor. He’s 27 and just graduated from grad school last year, so we’re within the same age group, since I just turned 20.
My friends think it’s crazy that we’re together, but he’s exactly the type of man I see myself with: He’s smart, handsome and kind, and things have been going well. We are secretive about our relationship because he says if the school were to find out, he could get in trouble. I wouldn’t want him to lose his job, but making sure we go to restaurants and other activities away from campus is a lot. Do you think this relationship will work out, with the sneaking around? -- Lost Girl, Washington, D.C.
DEAR LOST GIRL: You both need to throw a little cold water in your faces. Find out what the school’s policy is about faculty dating students. Don’t guess at it. It may not be against the rules, considering your age, but you need to find out for sure. If, indeed, you are breaking a clear moral code of the school, you may want to consider cooling off until you graduate. Yes, that’s a long time from now, but if you honestly believe this could be your guy, be disciplined about not crossing the line anymore. Difficult but possible to do! Otherwise, you jeopardize his career and future and your chances of ever being able to be with him.