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How to Tell if a Teacher Likes You (7 Sure Shot Signs)

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The relationship between a student and a teacher is always founded on respect, admiration, and adoration. There are always certain things and virtues in teachers that help us build character. They are believed to promote an aura of inspiration, which pioneers the path of the students.

But when we hear about a teacher having romantic feelings for a student, it sounds unethical and oddly uncalled for. The ideal figures cannot be imagined as the ones who may have a crush on their students. 

Yet, if you suspect their behavior to be unusually out of line, it could be a hint of their feeling of romance toward you. Despite being improper to a handful of people, it is not too outlandish to be true. So it will be sensible to spot the signs on time to get sure about their motives.

I won't deny that it may seem unlikely to see your teacher growing a liking for you, especially if you have placed them on a platform where he is to be worshiped and revered. 

But truth is stranger than fiction, as we all know. Accept the strangeness as usual and learn to react maturely. This is why this article will take you to the unknown world of facts around the typical ideas about the relationship between a teacher and a student. 

Get ready to discover the flipside.

Offering my voice

We are accustomed to seeing our teachers as images of principles and righteousness. They are expected to follow a specific code of decency and mode of conduct. 

When we get to know that a teacher has fallen for a student, it comes like the weirdest break of those classroom norms that we have believed to be the ultimate imperatives in a learning ambiance. 

How can a teacher crush on their pupils? Is society going to see it in a good light? Are they perverts? 

These are the primary concerns that start to crowd our minds the moment there is such reference to a teacher being romantically attached to their student.

Well, teachers, too, are humans who are not beyond the spell of the erratic nature of love that can hit anyone at any point in time, irrespective of their gender, religion, color, and social status. 

I think it's not entirely bordering on vulgarity as long as the person in question stays decent and the emotional exchange is consensual and restrained.

I'm not being the one to dictate a finality on this, but a detailed discussion can be helpful to judge and frame the right perspective. 

Therefore, the following blog post is crafted to provide insightful knowledge about this subject with elaborate documentation on the points below

  • How to tag it as special or 'unteacherly'
  • When to identify the inappropriateness and stop them
  • Times when you can enjoy it
  • There are means to deal with it 

Let's get the ball rolling.

How to tag it as special or 'unteacherly'

There is always an invisible and implied rulebook in every relationship we form with people. Unknowingly, we find ourselves abiding by them, and a shift in them might catch our attention. 

What do we call 'special'? 

Something that is positively different from the common and standard structure. So, a treatment is thought to be special or unique when it stands out as something beyond the ordinary. 

You will know that a special treatment for a student comes step by step if you learn how to spot the difference. In that, I will help you with the possible examples and notes of signs.

Cutting straight to the chase will make sense.

#1 They pay special attention to you

This is the single most important hint about a teacher who has a weakness for you. They always have a particular eye on you to stay attentive to your movement and interaction.

There are other students who receive the same old tone of teacherly affection and strictness from them, while you will be that one exclusive disciple of them to get extra care and attention.

They will often make sure you take your notes properly and are comfortable with the lessons. And the uniqueness will be caught up in the eyes of other students as well, who will be equally familiar with the growing fondness toward you.

Examples can make you get a clearer vision.

Suppose a teacher who is known to be strict and particular about discipline and punctuality gets softer when it comes to a specific student. They behave differently and are lenient to that student who fails to stick to the rules of discipline or cannot be on time. 

It's a no-brainer to sense that they possess a soft corner for that student and try to pay attention to them in a special manner so that they don't get offended or hurt.

Now, I will stock down a few direct notes of indications that will help you track the 'special behavior'.

  • They will take your name frequently and ask you if the lessons are well understood or need further explanation.
  • They will ask you separately to offer assistance in case you need to clear up any confusion.
  • Sometimes, they will slow down the pace of the dictation for your convenience.
  • They might share the external resources for your class projects.
  • They will be ready to take extra classes to help you with a deeper understanding of a specific chapter or topic.
  • They are flexible and tolerant of your faults and provide you with a second chance to rectify your mistakes without being scolded.

However, some of the above-mentioned actions are ambivalent in nature because it's not strange for a teacher to help their pupils who display a keen interest in their subjects by giving extra care. 

It's the frequency and the context you need to consider and other subsequent acts to add here for labeling it as a romantic gesture.

#2 They have a popping eye on your personal life

As you know, the relationship of a teacher with their student is centered around the process of learning. Although a teacher might play a strong role in students' lives to develop a bunch of skills and personal habits, it doesn't concern their personal lives directly.

Unnecessary curiosity may imply something that doesn't go with the conventional personality of a teacher. It is none of their business to always have the information about what's going on in your family or with whom you are meeting or talking.

Here comes the real twist when a professor or an educator becomes curious about your extremely private affairs, and you notice they try to ask you about things that you are supposed to discuss only with friends and close ones.

Moreover, it will strike as unreasonable and unexpected for them to be eager to know about people you have in your life or things you love or feel delighted by. 

If they do so, the involvement may be born out of a very personal connection they want to create with you.

I will surely exhibit marks that prove the authenticity of the statements :

  • They might take your cell phone number to get updates on your health and other issues.
  • They can come up with unsolicited advice regarding something you didn't ask for.
  • They will act friendly and offer support to see you upset.
  • They ask your friends about your emotional and physical wellness in your absence.
  • You can receive their call at odd hours enquiring about your health or mental condition.
  • Your friends might inform you that the teacher was grilling them about you and your loved ones when you were not around.
  • They might want to know the identity of the boys they see you with in roundabout ways.

It's important to note that your consent is essential, whether it's a teacher, a romantic partner, or anyone else trying to keep track of your private life. 

#3 You receive as many compliments as your grades 

Grades are one of those few things that can be controlled by the teachers and how they are pleased with their students. If your educational guide becomes your secret admirer, it won't be difficult to manage the escalation in terms of marks and grades.

It might sound absurd, but grades become the 'gifts' if your teacher wants them to shower on you as the tokens of their new-found romantic interest in you.

Both their heartfelt compliments and extraordinary marks pour in with similar abundance.

Yes, compliments which won't be related to your academic success only, but your appearance and sometimes your characteristic exceptionalities. They will go on appreciating the little things that are not probably extraordinary or something demanding praise.

Alongside, they will be surprisingly generous regarding your grades, whether you deserve it or not, with the motive of getting into your good book. They will please you in exchange for being pleased by your presence.

Other students might name it favoritism, but you need to be a bit extra observant of the course of the behavioral changes in your teacher. They will often come to your notice by virtue of their quality of acknowledging your not-so-great excellence with flattering remarks and outstanding scores.

See the pattern to relate:

  • They admire your dress or new accessories to prove they have noticed you.
  • You will never be disappointed with marks if they check your copies.
  • You can be allowed to break a few rules and get away with it while others are punished for committing the same mistake.
  • They speak highly of your academic achievements both in your presence and in your absence.
  • You may be given privileges inside and outside the classroom that others are deprived of.
  • They might often use words like 'cute' or 'sweet' to comment on your appearance.

In this context, I must say that in order to maintain an atmosphere of integrity, many educational institutes do not approve of such partial approaches of teachers toward a particular student.

#4 Private conversations become frequent

What comes to your mind on hearing the phrase 'private conversation'?

Maybe, an exchange of thoughts with someone very close when nobody is around. 

Isn't that a very intimate sign? 

You got me right. I am trying to say that your teacher wants some alone time with you if they enjoy your company, not as a student but as a romantic partner.

You must have noticed them looking for excuses like helping you with your homework or a random topic after the usual classroom hour to spend time with you. Ultimately, they will talk less about the lessons and more about things revolving around your life, hobbies, or interests.

Quora stories bear the resemblance of these marks of attachment where common things done by the teachers include readiness to spend time in private with the students. 

What I couldn't stop myself from sharing is one of the experiences of my adolescent period. 

Our math teacher had a crush on one of my classmates, and I remember how he insisted her to stay and wait until after the class was over to discuss the chapters. Later on, they were seen to be engaged in talks for hours, which were mainly on their 'confidential matters'. And they dated for years until she went along with someone younger during her college life.

Time has changed, and the scope of having private conversations now is not restricted to only in-person meetings. 

Hence, these are the modes and types to get hints from:

  • Your teacher may be exceedingly helpful regarding his subjects after the school schedules.
  • They will mention topics that are related to your passions, your parents, and your personal data while talking to you.
  • They can be found desperate to communicate with you through phone calls for insignificant reasons.
  • They will be guiding you with friendly warmth and supportive congeniality to convey their amicable existence in your life.
  • They might try to make you feel comfortable with intimate talks by gradual interaction outside the classroom.
  • You would find an increase in the frequency of sharing a common conversation space with them and their pampering attitude to this idea of feeling good with each other. 

#5 You have them as your regular followers on social media

Ah, now comes the biggest and the most effective medium of communication, i.e., social media forums like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

You have thousands of friends and followers on those platforms, and among them, one can be your teacher who loves to follow you and get updated about your latest change in life. 

See, this can be a very ordinary act of being added to the list of friends and followers you have in your virtual world. But sharper scrutiny can reveal that it can also be an indication that your respected teacher enjoys sneaking into your private details by staying as your online follower.

What they are not allowed to ask you in the educational environment of school or college can be accessed through the online channels of public platforms. 

And they know that you can't deny them permission to access your personal information shared on these social networking sites. Leveraging this influence, they might notice your social movements, activities, and friend circles. 

Their repeated comments and likes on your post might add to the assurance that they are strongly drawn to you with a cupid arrow stuck 

on them.

Further signs can clarify this.

  • They never miss your online uploads and sharing.
  • They invariably hit likes or comments on your each and every post to show their appreciation.
  • If their intentions are not so decent, they can even send you messages that won't be simple or innocent by any means.
  • They will ping you as soon as you get online and try to strike up an informal conversation.
  • They might mention any of your random posts on seeing you in the classroom with a brief and light hint to make you aware that they follow all your details.

There is one thing you should consider simultaneously that there's no wrong with being added to your virtual circle till the time they know how to keep an arm's length with you as a teacher or a mentor, avoiding things that might catch the attention of others. 

#6 There will be endearing texts outside the classroom

In our present-day scenario, textual conversations are normal among a lot of teachers and students regarding study materials, important dates, or valuable information. 

As a teacher, I know things work this way in today's world because digital advancement demands this kind of involvement. I, too, share plenty of helpful stuff with my students through messages because that's the quickest and most convenient way to communicate.

But things do not look straight when these texts carry personal emotions. Teachers who are romantically infatuated with you can use endearing terms to address you in the texts they forward you after school or college hours.

A teacher is never expected to call their pupils by names that are meant to be used by a partner or a close friend. It's looked up as the act of stepping on the boundaries set for people whom we are supposed to follow as idols.

Let me cite the common design of these texts:

  • Nicknames like 'sweethearts', 'sweetie', 'love', 'deary'' will surprise you being used by your teacher in the texts.
  • The messages might convey a flirtatious tone that's not likely between a teacher and their students.
  • They might advance toward questions regarding your undisclosed facts of life by calling you by their pet names in the beginning.
  • They can try out adorable names like 'princess', or 'angel' in their texts to see whether you are comfortable with them before they start having personal chats with you.

#7 Smiling glances won't evade your eyes

This is one of the languages of communicating amorous sentiments to a student whom a teacher may feel attracted to. 

Smiles can bear marks of a number of emotions. It can be filled with respect, affection, modesty, amiability, and ardent desire, along with coquettish intentions.

The truth is that an individual may be gifted with the talent to differentiate the message conveyed by the smile. So you can catch the glint in their eyes and blushing lips as they talk with you and immediately realize they can be nurturing a secret desire for you.

At times, you can't help paying notice to their glances brimming with passion, which ends with a broadened curve of smiles on their faces.

It will be their facial ritual expressing the raging fire of romance cherished for you. And it will be visibly different from the ones that speak of reverence or teacherly affection. 

There are other gestures accompanied by the smiling nuances that can send you sufficient cues about the real meaning of that gesticulation. 

They are down here:

  • You can catch them casting occasional glances at you.
  • They might be trying to lean forward to get into physical contact.
  • Accidental touches will be indicative of their efforts to get close.
  • The gazes can be overt and lingering ones if they are indeed romantic.
  • They may be making meaningful eye contact to communicate their interest.

When to identify the inappropriateness and stop them

It's crucial to identify the spirit of the behavior with which a teacher treats you. Every relationship is conditioned with a set of manners and a thin line of demarcation. 

If you ever find them ignorant of it or less bothered about it, take the lead to stop them right there. 

I think these acts are acceptable until they mess with the mutual respect and regard that are the backbones of an academic process.

So, I must showcase the examples when you need to stay alert and take a step back to protect your dignity.

#1 You get uncomfortable, and they don't care about it

It is obvious that a student gets shocked to discover their teacher making moves that don't seem to be okay with students. 

If your teacher has developed a special affection for you, they must limit their emotions to minimal gestures or agreeable expressions, keeping your discomfort in mind. 

Failing to do so, if they continue to be loudly expressive about their feelings that can make you uncomfortable, you should take it as an alarming sign to keep a safe distance from them.

A teacher who has an inappropriate relationship with a student is an abuser, not an educator.

- Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey probably asserted the bottom line in a transparent way to denote the actual responsibility of a teacher who can not afford to be indecent in their practices.

Suppose you are experiencing the same incidents when your teacher smiles at you or openly displays his caring attitude in a classroom where other students are present. It surely gets you into an awkward situation, and you may not feel great about having the special eye of your teacher. 

So, the best you can do is to hint back that you are irritated and get crossed at their questionable approach. But if they still do not back away, it is a clear indication of their unscrupulous character and lack of moral foundation.

I guess they hardly deserved to be held in esteem by students and contribute to the damage to the healthy ambiance of an educational organization.

Hence, without hesitation, stop leading him further on. One mistake, and they can take it as your acceptance. Try to avoid them as much as possible and let your body language tell them you are not interested. 

Get it clear as I discuss the possible things they might do:

  • There can be persistent attempts to get your attention from their side despite your refusing tone.
  • However you try to discourage them, they might be asking about your unshared truths.
  • They keep giving you attention among the other students even after knowing that you are feeling uneasy.

#2 They try to come to physical contact

People whom we worship and adore as the creators of the future are placed on the pedestal of perfection. When they do something unbecoming, it impacts the ideals and ethical grounds of the entire system of education.

We cannot imagine our teachers, who are like our second parents, are up to something so offensive that can stigmatize the relationship between a teacher and their student. Yet, you must think practically when your instincts would warn you of something unpleasant.

If ever a teacher goes too far as to come to your physical zone with inappropriate touches, don't be late breaking your illusion about them and make them realize you disapprove of this nastiness.

In the year 2001, the journal Education and Law disclosed that there have been reports of minor to major physical abuses by teachers in the familiar surroundings of the school, and the authorities face a dilemma in taking timely actions in some cases.

Remember, this is a red alarm that they are being unprofessional, and you cannot stay indifferent about it.

I know many of you are too innocent to crack through the real motives of figures as respectable as a teacher. So, I would caution you with a few necessary illustrations.

  • They might often pat you on the shoulder or back, pretending that it's an affectionate pose.
  • They could brush elbows when moving past you as an unintentional act.
  • There could be occasions when they come and stand close to you in a manner of interacting with you.
  • They can touch you without your consent or talk at a minimum physical distance.

Make a note that the behavior of a teacher toward their students determines the emotional balance of a cultural setting. If it turns out to be unacceptable, it can eventually have a detrimental effect on the psychological growth of the individual who comes to receive knowledge.

#3 You notice their repulsive eyes

It's a given that we have the hunch of people who put up ill intentions toward us. And when it's someone who happens to be entrusted with a responsibility to enlighten you, their subtle gestures cannot escape your notice.

The minute you catch sight of their distorted stares and the repugnant element in them, be sure that it's not a casual or warm look to dismiss or feel safe about.

Yes, even a look inundated with obnoxious vibes can make you feel unsafe and exposed to danger. Mark the boundary immediately as soon as you can perceive them trying to objectify your identity as a girl or a woman.

The suggestions I can share with you are: 

  • Move in a group when you know you have to encounter them.
  • Avoid meeting them alone if they ask you over.
  • Look away when you see them eyeing you.
  • Keep a safe distance from them when you have to engage in a conversation.
  • Do not share your contact details with them if possible.

#4 They invade your private spaces

I cannot say that feeling concerned about a student is unfair or intolerable. It happens when he or she is suffering from a physical illness or mental stress. 

I have met a dozen teachers who come up with harmless concerns to support us. They do it out of their protective nature toward students, and it's no less than a blessing to have their back for us when we need guidance.

But invading your private space for no fair reason is different and should be discouraged. People who constantly tend to pry into your privacy, especially as a teacher, are already deviating from their dignified roles.

So, what do they do that you should define as an invasion of your privacy?

  • Sometimes, they directly ask you about the secrets of your life, and sometimes, they try indirect means to know about your past and present.
  • They carefully mark your friends and choose a few among them to interrogate about the particulars of your personal side.
  • They intrude into a private chat you might be having with friends, expressing willingness to know the details.

Look, if these occur, just give it a thought that the right to privacy is a legal entitlement we are endowed with, and anything violating that can be taken action against.

Times when you can enjoy it

I can understand how creepy it may sound to enjoy your teacher being romantically intrigued by you. But this is also another side of the story you must get a grasp of if you want to obtain a complete idea about it.

Don't worry because your wait is almost over, as I have detailed the lesser-known part of the chronicle in the next segment.

To know, you have to give it an uninterrupted read.

#1 You, too, have a crush on them

If you are eager to know whether your teacher likes you or not because you, too are having a crush on them, it's likely to be a pleasing ride, I must say. 

What I mean is that a mutually consented relationship is always fine if both parties grow fond of each other. Be it a teacher or a student, love can break all the stereotypes of the conventional track of emotional exchange.

I don't know about others, but as for myself, I do support people in love, irrespective of the traditional ideas of right and wrong. 

Where there is a stronger bond of respect, understanding, and trust, love can sprout off and do wonders. 

I assume that when you have a crush on your teacher, you do not forget about the societal consequences of this relationship due to factors like age difference and social status both of you belong to.

In this special case, if you both are ready to stake it at the cost of everything you value, I would say there is no harm in going ahead and enjoying the episode. 

Love is not about finding the right person, but about creating the right kind of relationship.

- Taylor Swift

The words of Taylor Swift resonate the same message of love being the ultimate force conquering all the stigmas and notions attached to it.

If it doesn't work out in the long run, accept it just like other ordinary mishaps. But for now, none of you are to be blamed if there is equal participation in the love game.

Now, how to add to the charm and cherish?

Look at the quick ways:

  • Smile back lightly at them when they smile at you.
  • Keep the discussions brisk and breezy with him.
  • Like his social media posts and make frequent but healthy comments.
  • You can chat with them on general topics.

#2 They know the boundaries in expressing their weakness

Boundaries are important in every relationship. And knowing it and acknowledging it is a sign of humility. 

Honestly speaking, if the teacher behaves within the boundary of decorum and etiquette, it becomes simple to understand and easy to accept.

They might be weak and inclined to you, but what matters is how he chooses to express it and whether he keeps it a consensual interaction, avoiding soppiness or crooked calculation.

I can say this with conviction because of the experiences of my own life. 

I have been in the teaching profession for years, and I feel no shame in admitting that I fell in love with one of my students. I knew my lines and never tried to make wrong or unethical advances toward her. Fortunately, we shared a relationship afterward and finally got married to each other after a period of romantic courtship. 

So, how will you decide and determine the fact that they are settling on boundaries?

Of course, with the prominent nods, I am here to furnish:

  • Do they stay out of your way until you allow them?
  • Are they humble enough to express their concern with limited expression?
  • Do they avoid taking advantage of opportunities when you are vulnerable?
  • Do they seek permission whenever they want to ask something personal?
  • Are you the one to initiate a conversation that is outside the professional periphery?
  • Do you find them looking away on being caught staring at you?

There are means to deal with it

Coming to the last section, I want you to learn about the selected methods by which you can handle the situation and get rid of this sensitive state of things.

#1 Be vocal about your displeasure

If you are an adult, you are capable of speaking up for yourself in circumstances that make you cringe in discomfort.

Being vocal about your displeasure is the first step you can take no sooner than they do something unfriendly and objectionable, and that can be through direct utterance of resentment or gestures of feeling disgusted.

Not everyone deserves to be respected. Be reasonable to show your regard to those who are not only teachers but also the embodiment of uprightness.

Learn to protest by voicing that you denounce their conduct. Use short yet sharp sentences like:

  • "Can you please stop asking me such annoying things?"
  • "Why should I meet you alone? I mean, I am more comfortable if you tell me whatever you want inside the classroom."
  • "I'm sorry to say this to you, but you can't touch me this way without my consent. I don't like it."
  • "I don't think we have any personal chats to share. I will be happy if you keep it strictly professional."

#2 Tell your parents or complain to the authorities (if it is crossing the barrier)

Sometimes, teachers make the most of their power when they are repeatedly asked to stop certain behaviors and stay adamant to put you down with more detestable approaches. 

Under such circumstances, when they do not pay heed to your indignation, you might take help from others who can take legal action

If a teacher ever makes you feel uncomfortable, it is important to speak up and report them. You are not alone.

- Rachel Simmons

R. Simmons tried to depict the same courage and assurance you must secure for yourself if and when your teacher becomes the reason for your emotional soreness.

Yes, there are laws that have provisions to punish such cheap and vulgar acts.

These are the advisable instructions:

  • Tell your parents you are nagged and bothered by your teacher, who might want a fling with you, and let them deal with it maturely.
  • Complain to the authorities in charge verbally and then in written form that you are consistently being felt uncomfortable by a teacher.
  • Share the details and examples of what they have so far done or told you to the school or college management, and if they do not take immediate steps, you can inform the police as well.

#3 You can be gentle and stay away

Your reactions and responses do count when a teacher makes advances at you. Smart and intelligent replies and body language will help you act diplomatically and stay out of the danger zone.

I would mention the experiences that I went through on Reddit discussions portraying how a student can be affected when a teacher has a crush on them, and they added that they do not want them to lose their jobs since they (the teachers) could be really great at their subjects.

And so you could use low-key tactics. They can be as follows:

  • Never lead them on by flirting with them or spending time outside your classroom. 
  • Do not try to gift them items or cards on special days when you guess that they have a feeling for you.
  • Gently share that you do not want any other relationship than what is expected between a teacher and their students.
  • Use the titles or last names while you address them. It will maintain the professional bonding between you.

Tips

  • Concentrate more on your studies and lessons to convince them that you don't want a personal relationship in that academic setting.
  • Try to keep a mature and formal disposition in the classes.
  • Set clear boundaries to stay away from awkward circumstances. 
  • You can talk to a friend or a reliable senior if the situation worsens.
  • Keeping everything documented will be wise in case you need to proceed with legal actions.
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