I am a female engineer who has been in the workforce for 3 years and working at the same company since I graduated.
My boss is 10 years older than me and is well respected in the industry we're in. He's taught me a lot. Initially I pushed my crush on him aside because I thought it was probably just due to him being in a position of authority and just generally being brilliant at what he does. However, over the past year we have worked pretty closely on projects and we get along really well on a personal and professional level.
I have always prided myself on being professional at all times and being an objective, impartial engineer. However, I am concerned that my feelings are clouding my judgement here. I am biased towards his opinion and worry that these feelings are getting in the way of doing my job. I am at the point now where I am second guessing all of my actions because I worry they show an unprofessionally high regard for him. I am probably more guarded now than I would be otherwise.
I really like working at this company (him aside) but am starting to feel like I need to leave because I am worried my feelings will be noticed. We are both in relationships with other people and all these feelings are unwanted. I really don't want to leave but don't really know what other options I have.
Is leaving my only option? Before I take such drastic action, what other options do I have?