Hi. Can you please give me some advice on how to calm a heart that is in love with a man that I can never have? I have been involved in many church functions over the last couple of years and found that I have a strong attachment to a priest that I am friends with. I have made every attempt to make sure I don't see him in person. He has since transferred but we still keep in contact. I find that very often I feel heartbroken but I will never tell him. I'm feeling guilty for these feelings but I swear it wasn't on purpose. I fell for him before I had even known he was a priest. Oh, please help me heal my heart. Thank you! I pray this is anonymous!

Of course you didn't fall in love with him on purpose! You grew to care about someone you spent time with, someone you admire and someone who shares many of your own ideas and beliefs. Don't feel guilty. Do try to involve yourself in activities that will present you the opportunity to spend time with other people. You need to refocus your attention, and daydreaming elsewhere - whether it be a new goal or a new male interest. Continue your work at the church, make new friends, take a summer course... anything to keep your mind busy. If you let it, it'll pass over time.

"X"

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Stop obsessing over any guilt! You simply picked a kind, caring human being to fall in love with, not his vocation! Unfortunately, this love will have to be one love you get over because you cannot (and must not) pursue it. I hate to give all the usual cliches such as see other men, get out more, etc. but there is no other answer. It is true that while you may always have a fond place in your heart for this man, you will find the pain ceases after a time. Good luck!

"Boomer"