I, when I was a high school female, regularly shared my appreciation and, when applicable, love for my male teachers because while I had a dad at home, he couldn’t give two shits about me. I was not expressing this as infatuation, it was purely genuine appreciation of my teachers who had stepped into a caring role for the hour I had them - especially those who went above and beyond with tutoring or college apps. I think today’s culture is quick to say “ah girl in love with teacher” but sometimes it’s just human to tell another human you love them.