My boss told me my friend/coworker called me his girlfriend, what do I do?

[Anonymous]

Actually this past week, everyone in my workplace has been shipping us to no end. Last, Friday I was pulling a double and having to work with him which made him upset, so I got him coffee to deal with the pain of me. But half way through the night my gm came over saying "you know he called you his girlfriend, I'm dead serious" now I doubt that, but we are going crazy with this shipping what do we do 😂? Any pointers

[Oliverlogan263]

Woah, that's a seriously awkward situation to be in with your boss! I get why people at work would ship you and your coworker since you're close, but him actually calling you his girlfriend is next-level.

Here's what I would do:

- Talk to your coworker privately and ask him directly if what your boss said was true. See what he says and try to gauge how he really feels.

- Whether he admits it or denies it, stress to him that you need to keep things professional at work and can't have rumors going around.

- Tell your boss you talked to him and made clear you're just friends. Thank them for the heads up but say you've got it under control now.

- Be polite but distant with your coworker at work for a while so hopefully the shipping chat settles down.

- If he really does have feelings for you, you'll need to let him down easy but keep it work-appropriate.

- Don't deny you're close friends, just make it clear there won't be anything romantic as long as you work together.

Hope this helps! Avoiding drama at work is key, so try nip any miscommunication in the bud.

[Anonymous]

Put anyone right who raises this with you (including your boss) and otherwise move on. If people continue to quote him as saying you're his girlfriend, question him about it.