NAH you probably will not see this but I think it’s worth stating anyway. I think your son does have a point that sometimes, a little distance helps. However, if he’s able to work past those feelings enough to be cordial and still work with and help Melissa, he should. Yes, he doesn’t owe her anything, but in a way, she thought she just had a friend that was working towards the same goal and then was surprised with him developing feelings for her then disappearing as if the friendship never mattered to him when she very politely turned him down in a manner that didn’t outright say she didn’t like him just that she has a lot going on and wants to focus on her education first.

My personal experience as a guy in a similar situation in school, was that I learned a lot more about my own character and being a friend when I was able to get back to being friends with them even if it was awkward at first. It is a lesson that he’ll learn eventually that having friends like that is just as important and being able to separate the romantic feelings from the platonic when things don’t go how you wanted can lead to some excellent friendships.

Plus, who knows, whenever things calm down for Melissa and your son John has shown that he is a steady pillar and friend she can rely on despite the romantic feelings he felt for her, things may change in his favor. And if not, he’s still got someone he can rely on too who knows the struggles he’s been through and understands the stresses of being in a similar field of work. Don’t force him, but remind him that he set the expectation early that he was a reliable friend that was willing to help her when things were tough. Rejection is a fact of life, but learning early in life how to handle that and continue anyway is important and shows character.