Expert: Azure - 9/2/2006

Question
I am in the military and we have fraternization policies.  The one
that applies to my situation is Enlisted and Officers are not
allowed to socialize/date (even if you don't work directly with
them).  

About a month ago, a new dentist checked into the clinic where I
work.  Since then I have transferred to another department
within the same building; so I don't work directly with him.  I've  
had this crush on him since day one, and the attraction grows
stronger and stronger everytime we see each other.  We have
had a many brief conversations with a pinch of major flirting and
I sense that he is interested in me too. Obviously, he would
never make the first move due to the rules of fraternization.  
It's so frustrating because in reality we are both human beings
who have feelings, wants and needs.  The only difference is that
he has his degree (officer) and I am still working on mine
(enlisted).
I would never want to put him in the position of risking his
career over a relationship but I know deep down that if we had
the opportunity to get to know each other; it could be
something great.
I have 2 years left until I finish my degree and become an officer
myself but I don't want to miss the opportunity of someone so
wonderful be apart of my life other than professionally.  
What should I do?  Should I try to "bump into him away from
work?"  We both live 30 minutes-1 hour away from where we
work; so the chances of bumping into other co-workers would
be slim.  
I am so confused at this point and need someone's advice who
can think outside the box.  Thanks!

Answer
the "outside the box" verdict is for you to stay in the box--you spelled it out--there's no where to go with this; plus, if he wanted to do something about it, he would; time to lower expectations to zero and return to reality, remembering that even if you DID go out, the whole thing could be over in 1 or 2 dates, as most times the hype doesn't live up to the actual deal..