Gemotions

The email notification blinked insistently. “Ms. Ramirez has accepted your LinkedIn connection request.” Jake stared at the screen, utterly thrown. He’d connected with Ms. Ramirez, his former calculus teacher, on a whim, more out of polite habit than genuine interest. He didn't even use LinkedIn that often.

Now, a strange unease crept into him. He’d never thought of Ms. Ramirez as anything other than a teacher; a figure of authority. He knew his profile was pretty basic, but he hadn't curated his "professional" persona in a way that he'd consider appealing to her. He suddenly wished he’d at least added a decent headshot.

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit. What did she want? Did she think he'd grown up? Was she checking his job history? Did this mean she saw him as a peer? The notion was jarring.