I’ve fallen helplessly in love with my married friend who’s 30 years my senior

DEAR DEIDRE: ALTHOUGH he’s more than 30 years older than me, I’ve fallen in love with my male friend.

He’s married with kids, so I don’t know if I should tell him how I feel.

I’m a woman of 24, but very mature for my age, and he’s 58. 

We met on Facebook in a local wild swimming group. He liked my comment about something, and I friended him.

We often meet at the weekend as part of the group to go swimming in the river.

He’s so caring and down to earth.

Seeing him at the weekend is the highlight of my whole week and he’s so much more interesting than guys my age.

I’ve even run into him a few times by accident when we’ve both been at the river separately for swimming.

He’s told me all about his wife and teenage children and he’s never been inappropriate at all.

But I’ve realised I get excited whenever I see a message from him, and I’ve started imagining meeting up with him and kissing him.

He looks really good for his age – a silver fox with a good body.

The age gap doesn’t bother me, but I have no idea if he feels the same way.

I’m so confused. Should I say something?

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m worried that if I don’t, I could be letting the most perfect man slip through my fingers.

The man for you isn’t married, with children, to someone else.

It’s perfectly normal to have a crush on someone much older – and that is what this is.

The very fact he’s not available makes it all the more intense. He’s given you no indication he has feelings for you. 

I know it is hard, but you need to choose the sensible option and  keep this as just a good friendship. 

He may not be The One, but the right man for you is out there.

My support pack Finding The Love Of Your Life should help you look for him.