Handling Workplace Romance If Feeling Isn't Mutual
Mixing love with work can make for one sticky, bitter cocktail. While love is in the air at this time of year, it’s a fragrance that not everyone wants to breathe deeply. It’s understandable that you want to keep things professional without having to rock the boat or damage the working relationship.
As a first resort, try playing dumb.
Openness and honesty is great, but before you have a heart to heart, try pretending that you don’t notice your coworker’s crush. Sometimes this gentle hint can let them figure things out before anything gets out of hand. In most cases, a lack of response will be a clear signal that you’re not interested and the crush will dissipate on its own.
If ignorance doesn’t work, try a small talk.
If pretending you don’t notice their longing gazes doesn’t flip the switch off, try confronting them casually but directly. Find an appropriate time to privately let them know that you appreciate them but want to keep your relationship strictly professional. While this may sting, most people will be more grateful for honesty in the long run. Keep the conversation brief and to the point, then move on with your day and treat them normally going forward.
If they’re still smitten, go to your boss or human resources.
Sometimes an unwanted crush can start to border on harassment, which is why human resources departments are so tuned in to possible relationships at work. While going to human resources may not be easy, sometimes it’s necessary to protect yourself and the work environment of the company. If you feel this step is needed, don’t feel guilty about speaking up. It’s important that your boundaries be given their due respect.
When turning down a crush, the best advice is to always act professional, even if your behavior isn’t being followed by your coworker. The most important thing is maintaining your integrity. Never forget that you deserve to have your boundaries respected by everyone in the office.
