Mail Online

DEAR BEL,

I AM a 27-year-old single, gay man. I’ve tried dating apps but they usually lead nowhere. On one such app I saw the profile of an attractive guy who shared many of my interests. Despite indicating I liked him, we did not match.

Recently, I started an enjoyable new job at a Catholic school. It is temporary but there may be a possibility of extension.

However, one teacher has been cold and distant — and it’s that man from the dating app. He’s established and senior. Once I approached him at the end of school, introduced myself and complimented his dress sense.

He was polite but appeared uncomfortable.

Since then I’ve seen him several times but he has made no effort to speak. My smiles remain unreturned. It’s frustrating because I think there could be a lot of potential between us, if not romantically, but at least as a friend. I might not be his physical type but we are a similar age, have similar interests, and the only young male teachers at the school.

The school does have a strong religious ethos but I doubt he would be fired for being in a relationship with another man given his long employment time. But he might.

Admittedly, a gay teacher working at a Catholic school is a difficult situation to reconcile. He is from a Catholic background and I am sure the situation is difficult. I feel deep compassion for that. I just wish he was less cold to me. His behaviour clearly shows he knows I know the truth about him.

Whether the school know about his sexuality I am not sure. I think it would be an awful shame if we just spent months not talking.

Why would he want to spend his time in the virtual world when there is opportunity right before his eyes? We could maybe make each other happy.

Deep down I don’t think he is very happy though he does his best not to show it. The whole situation is starting to affect my mental health. I am constantly thinking of him but I doubt he gives me a second thought.

It’s making for a tense atmosphere. How do I approach this situation without leaving my job? Help, please.

JASON

BEL MOONEY

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2023-02-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-02-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://mailonline.pressreader.com/article/282415583434897

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