Life

Ask Fiona: How much does my housemate really like me?

Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine offers her perspective on family dramas, emotional issues and dysfunctional relationships. This week, hair loss, difficult teenagers and a potentially romantic relationship with a housemate

I'm not sure if the guy I share a house with really likes me
I'm not sure if the guy I share a house with really likes me I'm not sure if the guy I share a house with really likes me

FOR the last six months I've been sharing a house with a guy I met through a house-sharing site, after I split up with my boyfriend of eight years.

He made it clear, at first, that he simply wanted someone to help pay the mortgage.

Over the last couple of months though, he's been starting to take care of me and is very friendly.

Sometimes it's like he reads my mind and it sort of scares me, but I find I'm smiling whenever I think of him.

He's never actually said anything, but I feel he wants me to be here for a long time – not like the people that came before me.

I think he needs me around as he doesn't have much of a social life – he's a bit of a geek to be honest.

It's difficult to know what's right here – I certainly don't, and sometimes think it's just my imagination, but I just wish he would kiss me!

CR

FIONA SAYS: I fear you are wishing for more than is on offer here.

You don't indicate in your letter that he's really done enough to justify you thinking he's fallen for you.

From what you say, I'd guess he certainly likes you and enjoys having you around, but who wouldn't want that in a housemate?

He's not shown any signs of anything more than affection, but you are getting over a broken heart and I am worried you're reading more into this than is really there.

Of course I may be wrong, and it could be that he's too shy to say anything, but please take this slowly.

If you make a move and he's not interested, continuing to live there could be really difficult, not to say embarrassing for you.

If you have a problem you can email me, Fiona Caine, at helpdesk@askFiona.net