Ok, back story; over the last 2 months, I've been starting the long, laborious process of digitising all my casettes, vinyl and video and burning them to CD/DVD. One of my neighbour's sons, 'J', has been helping me out with the process a couple of times a week, and along the way I've been introducing him to 'new' music, expanding his horizons a bit. Basically anything to get him off emo-pop!
J is 16, a budding musician, fairly good looking and painfully shy. The kind of kid for whom high school is utter agony, but who will probably take off like a rocket socially once he gets to Uni and starts dealing with more adults and fewer kids (well, comparatively
) Anyway, I was at a BBQ at his parent's place earlier this week, and one of his Dad's friends commented that they were playing some early Pink Floyd, something he hadn't heard in years. J's Dad laughed and said actually it was J who had put it on, and told them it was my influence. Then the twit announced that J has a crush on me and that probably had more to do with it than the music. Now, I wasn't actually part of the conversation, but I did hear what was said.
Well, I already knew J has a crush. I've handled it by just carefully keeping to certain boundaries, and saying nothing - basically acting like I haven't noticed. I also know J is seriously in love with music, and part of his crush on me is because of the music I've introduced him to, not the other way around. I found out from J's mother today that J overheard what his dad said, and is horribly embarrased and upset, which is why I haven't seen him around in the last few days. She also said she thinks he isn't sure if I heard what his dad said or not.
This is what I need some help with - is it better for me to find him, explain that I already knew, that I'm flattered but that he's much too young, (I'm 20 years older than him & only one year younger than his mother) or should I just say nothing and hope it blows over and he'll be ok?
For myself, at that age not knowing if my crush knew what was said or not would be utter agony, but then, I was an outgoing, fiercely independent, socially active hell raiser at 16. I have no idea what would be worse for a sensitive, shy 16 year old boy - finding out that I know, or nothing being said. Or should I do something else altogether? This is a really sweet kid, and I don't want to hurt or embarrass him any more than he already is.
Ideas? Advice? Comments?
