Can anyone help me with this problem?

Question

I currently live (temporarily) with my sister and her husband and their 16-year old daughter, who I'll call N (for niece). Here's the problem:
I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think N may have a crush on me. I may be wrong, and I hope I am, but here's the evidence. First, even though I've been a part of her life ever since she was very young, she's never before been as close to me as she is now. She wants to spend as much time with me as possible. She'll sit right next to me on the couch, close enough to touch me. Occasionally, I'll see her staring at me, but when I look her way, she'll smile and look away shyly. Sometimes she'll come up behind me and hug me, or pay me a compliment such as, "You look really handsome today". She never used to do these things before. She's fun to be around, but it makes me feel uncomfortable when these things happen. I don't want to confront her directly about this, because if I'm wrong I'll be left looking like an idiot. What can I do?

I also don't want to talk to her parents about it, for the same reason. How can I be sure if she does have a crush on me without asking her personally. Thanks in advance for any and all comments and suggestions.

Answer 1

talk to "N" and tell her you are flattered she thinks you look good today or she has been giving you compliments, but you are her uncle and she should save all those compliments for some nice young man.

Answer 2

You do not say why you are living at your sister's house. but, I would suggest with the problem you have with your niece, to ignore ,her overtures toward you and remind her that when she was a baby you used to play a lot with her and that she will always be your little niece, even though you did not do those things it is to make her realize that what she is trying to do is not right so, she would think hard about it. If all else fail, you will have to talk to her parents, and hope that they are the understanding type. or, move out from there. Good Luck..

Answer 3

You're not alone. I had a similar problem. My cousin, who's 2 years younger than me, used to have a crush on me. Unlike you, though, I knew he had a crush on me, because he told me in his own words. I sat down with him and talked to him person-to-person about it. I told him it wouldn't be right for him to feel that way and to basically get over it. Ever since then, he's been different and talks to me as a regular person. So my suggestion is to just talk to your niece and tell her that it would never work out between the two of you because of the blood ties. Whatever you decide to do, good luck. Peace!

Answer 4

at 16 her hormones are raising and she just wants anything that moves... boy crazy days i guess and what better than an older man. You should have a female friend pretend she is your date and go out. And see how she reacts to her. that may give you some clue. (And watch the movie Crush with Alicia Silverstone :))

Answer 5

Well I am not telling you to lie to her but if you have a girlfreind or you like someone when she comes to talk to you just bring up somthing like that. Like heyyy N you should really meet my Girlfreind or show a picture and say you like that girl. or somthing like that becouse I know it is hard to decide in this situation. as you if you confront her and you end up being wrong about it then that is not good.
and is is a tough call man.

Answer 6

All of it sounds pretty innocent for now but if she goes any further with anything I say grab your crap fast and move out.

Answer 7

stay away from her, you better talk to her parents,,,you dont want to get in trouble,,if you **** the girl off,,,,i realllllly hope this isnt fueling your ego,

Answer 8

it is a normal think, just move out

Answer 9

SHE'S 16 DON'T PANIC just leave it alone