Ab(solutely) Normal, River Boy Criticism

GENUINELY and unironically mad at the book I have to read for my class. I've only read one of the short stories (River Boy) and I hate it because it's so unaware of it's own messaging.

The main character is seen as a "good guy". However, after meeting the love interest ONCE he goes onto obsess over her for the next two months, learning Spanish for her, changing the way he dresses, and volunteering at the same place she does (among other things.) This is treated as completely normal behavior by the book!!! 

The second time he meets her, she finds out about all of the stuff he's done for her, and instead of being creeped out SHE SPRAY PAINTS A MURAL FOR HIM. Then the story ends with them just being friends?? And the author (a man) does not try to criticize his weird and unhinged behavior??? It's just wild to me.

My professor does not see how this story is harmful and weird- she likes it, and it's one of the first things we're reading. We're also supposed to compare it to the GREAT GATSBY. Like let's bfr.