Dear Dr. Date,

Maybe I’m reading into things, but I’m getting serious vibes from my professor. All CLA students are required to take a foreign language, so I figured I would just be a face in the crowd. But when I walked in, I knew I was going to earn an A in participation. My professor deserved the chili pepper rating (R.I.P.) on Rate My Professor — the combination of him being hot and hearing him speak another language makes me swoon every class.

He always writes the nicest comments on my papers and even recommended a one-on-one office hours appointment so he could clarify some grammar with me. He’s mentioned he was single in a class anecdote, so I don’t think I’m totally making things up. Plus, he just got out of grad school, so it’s only, like, an eight year age difference! 

He has a study abroad program coming up, and I’m seriously thinking of going, if only to see if anything happens. Being away from home can be romantic, right? My other grades are failing, and he’s all I can think about. What do I do? 

Sincerely, 

Language of Love

Dear Language of Love,

Yikes, this is trouble. Do not try and ask him out while you’re still his student — that would work out badly for both of you. He’d have to deny you, even if he was interested. I can’t say whether or not he likes you, as he might just be trying to make a good impression on every student since he’s a new teacher.

However, I have heard stories of students telling their TAs they were interested after the final. After all, what did they have to lose? While this is a teacher, not a TA, it miiiiiight still be able to work as long as you don’t plan on taking any more classes in the department. I’d skip the whole ‘follow him to the airport’ thing and try for a different study abroad program instead. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Date