Is it normal to be in love this long?
I fell in love with a teacher when I was in high school. He was in his mid-twenties, and I believe he was single for most of those four years. I dismissed my feelings throughout high school for several reasons. I come from a very strict, conservative family, and presenting them with this would result in complete turmoil. I was also scared of being laughed at, and ultimately rejected by everyone for my childish fancy for a teacher. It was not until I was done with school that I realized how much he really meant to me. And I realized that I didn’t care about his race or background or salary or the way he looked. I loved myself when I was with him. He gave me so much confidence and motivation. Even the darkest moments resolved into relief with the prospect of seeing him and talking to him the next day. Because my brother goes to the same high school, I see him occasionally. It was at one such meeting that he casually mentioned something about his new girlfriend. So now I have absolutely no chance. It’s done for. Even if I wait a whole lifetime for him, what good is it if he loves someone else? It’s been seven years now, and I’m still in love with the man. It’s as if I’m in Dante’s inferno. I have no one to talk to and no one to help me. Please help…