I like my classmate but don't know him!

Dear Diana,
I am a 19-year-old girl studying medicine. I like one of my classmates. He's pretty popular among the girls and this is the reason why I haven't mustered courage to talk to him. I look very ordinary compared to these girls who hover around him. Other than my studies, the only thing on my mind is him. I try my level best to avoid thinking about him and concentrate on something better but I fail miserably. I keep wondering how things would be if he knew about my feelings. I don't know what to do as I am confused.
- Anu

Illustration/ Satish Acharya

Dear Anu,
It appears that he is the cool dude of the class. Like several other girlsu00a0 you, too, find him attractive. According to me, it is infatuation, which is common at your age. You say he is always on your mind. Looks like you are obsessed with him and how! If he has so many girls around him, that should not be a reason why you can't befriend him too. I am sure there are several topics like lectures, professors, exams that you can talk about to him. And why do you think you are ordinary as compared to the other girls? You don't know what this guy likes. May be he likes simple girls. At this stage first strike a friendship. Studies are important, the rest can wait.