It is often recommended to keep your personal and professional lives separate, but it is possible to find love at work or through a colleague. Don't dismiss the idea of a romance with a coworker who is attracted to you - it could turn into something special. If you're unsure if a co-worker has a crush on you but is keeping it hidden, here are some signs to look for.
1. He takes opportunities to work with you
A colleague who is attracted to you may take any chance they can to work with you. If you need a partner for a project, they may offer their assistance. If they are particularly interested in you, they may even suggest to the boss that the two of you would make a good team. It is common for people to want to spend as much time as possible with those they have a crush on, and this can also apply in a professional setting.
2. He compliments you on your work
In general, compliments can be an indication of romantic interest. If a coworker likes you, they may frequently compliment you in the office. These compliments might be about your work, but as the relationship becomes more familiar, they may also compliment you on other things.
3. He is curious about your relationship status
If a coworker is consistently asking about your dating life, it could potentially be a sign that they have feelings for you. They might be trying to find out if you are single and available for a romantic relationship. However, it's also possible that they are simply a nosy colleague seeking office gossip.
4. He hangs around you at work and social events
It can be easier to tell if a coworker has feelings for you at work social events. They may try to spend as much time with you as possible at office dinners or networking events, especially if they don't get much chance to interact with you in the workplace. They may also try to get to know you on a more personal level by asking deeper questions than they would normally ask in a professional setting.
5. He smiles when he sees you
According to Her Way, if a coworker smiles when they see you, it may be a sign that they have romantic feelings for you. This behavior may indicate that they want more than just a platonic relationship. Similarly, if a colleague constantly stares at you, especially when they think you're not looking, it could be a sign of romantic interest.
6. He takes his lunch at the same time you do
If a guy is trying to spend more time with you, they may try to coordinate their lunch break with yours. If you have flexibility in choosing when to take your lunch break, they may try to arrange for their break to coincide with yours. This way, they can have extra time with you in the lunchroom or potentially ask you out on a lunch date.
7. He defends you in front of other co-workers
Is he quick to defend you in the workplace? This could indicate that he is a good friend, but it could also suggest that he has romantic feelings for you. If this behavior is accompanied by other indicators on this list, it is likely that he has a crush on you.
8. He offers to help you when you need it
It is understandable to want your crush to view you as capable and competent. Someone who has feelings for you would likely jump at the opportunity to assist you and make a positive impression. If your co-worker consistently comes to your aid like a knight in shining armor, it could be a sign that he has a crush on you.
9. He tries to spend time alone with you
If someone has feelings for you, they will often try to find ways to spend one-on-one time with you, separate from your usual group of colleagues. According to Hack Spirit, this is a classic indication that a co-worker has feelings for you. They may try to coordinate their work schedule with yours so that you can come and go at the same time, or perhaps even offer to walk you home. Any opportunity that arises, they will try to take advantage of it in order to get to know you better and spend time alone with you.
10. He sits next to you when he can
If you work in an open office layout, a co-worker with feelings for you will likely try to sit next to you whenever possible. This could be at the beginning of the workday or during a meeting. When they do manage to sit next to you, it will be hard for them to conceal their smile.
11. He wants to talk about things that have nothing to do with work
It can be difficult to establish a deeper connection if all you ever discuss is work-related topics. This is a strong indication that a co-worker has feelings for you. They will try to get you to see them as more than just a colleague by bringing up non-work subjects and hoping that you have shared interests that can help you bond.
What To Do When You Notice The Signs A Male Co-Worker Likes You
If you believe that your male co-worker has feelings for you, how you choose to proceed will depend on your particular situation. For example, if the co-worker is your superior, it is not appropriate to pursue a romantic relationship. If you are on the same level, it may be less inappropriate but still may not be a wise decision. Before making any moves, consider the following factors.
1. What if it doesn't work out?
While it is possible that a romantic relationship with your male co-worker could work out, there is also the risk that it may not. Workplace romances can quickly become complicated and if they end poorly, it can create an uncomfortable and awkward atmosphere in the office for everyone involved, including you. Is it worth the potential risk?
2. It might not make your colleagues very happy
If your male co-worker has any level of authority over you, it is likely that your other colleagues will not approve of a romantic relationship between the two of you. This is because it can be perceived as a conflict of interest to be involved with someone who may have the power to grant you favors, promotions, or other advantages due to your relationship.
3. Tread very carefully
If you decide to pursue a romantic relationship with a male co-worker, it is important to establish some guidelines to protect your job and your professional reputation. This may include avoiding public displays of affection at work, keeping personal issues out of the workplace, and not involving your colleagues in your relationship. It is essential to maintain a clear separation between your work and personal life in order to avoid jeopardizing your employment or career prospects.
