Hello,
I've run into something of an unfortunate situation at work. I have a policy of sorts that I don't date in the workplace.
Unfortunately, not everyone has this same policy, so I have run into a couple situations where co-workers have tried to flirt. Usually I just pretend to be completely oblivious to what they are doing and they give up after a while.
It works well in that nothing is really ventured and nothing really happens so everyone saves face. It's always worked well for me in the past.
Unfortunately, with the most recent incident of this, the girl kept at it and was a little more overt. I ended up having to actively ignore it, and started consciously avoiding eye contact and avoiding her as much as possible.
This is partially my own fault in that I was attracted to her and she was probably picking up on some mixed signals.
In any case, she did eventually get the hint and now we are both avoiding each other and I think that she probably hates me at this point.
In any event I meant no harm. I believe avoiding this sort of complication in the workplace is in everyone's interest. I never had any desire to make things awkward or do anything but avoid drama. Unfortunately it seems I got the drama regardless.
So the real question is, how can I fix this?
I am wondering if I should try to talk to her about it, apologizing for any hurt feelings and explaining the motives behind my actions.
Otherwise, I think the best option is just to try to be professional and pleasant and hope she eventually gets over it. Ignoring this awkwardness seems to have made it worse thus far though.
Anyhow, what is the best way I can handle this sort of situation and prevent it going forward?
I've run into something of an unfortunate situation at work. I have a policy of sorts that I don't date in the workplace.
Unfortunately, not everyone has this same policy, so I have run into a couple situations where co-workers have tried to flirt. Usually I just pretend to be completely oblivious to what they are doing and they give up after a while.
It works well in that nothing is really ventured and nothing really happens so everyone saves face. It's always worked well for me in the past.
Unfortunately, with the most recent incident of this, the girl kept at it and was a little more overt. I ended up having to actively ignore it, and started consciously avoiding eye contact and avoiding her as much as possible.
This is partially my own fault in that I was attracted to her and she was probably picking up on some mixed signals.
In any case, she did eventually get the hint and now we are both avoiding each other and I think that she probably hates me at this point.
In any event I meant no harm. I believe avoiding this sort of complication in the workplace is in everyone's interest. I never had any desire to make things awkward or do anything but avoid drama. Unfortunately it seems I got the drama regardless.
So the real question is, how can I fix this?
I am wondering if I should try to talk to her about it, apologizing for any hurt feelings and explaining the motives behind my actions.
Otherwise, I think the best option is just to try to be professional and pleasant and hope she eventually gets over it. Ignoring this awkwardness seems to have made it worse thus far though.
Anyhow, what is the best way I can handle this sort of situation and prevent it going forward?
Updates
+1 y
I'm sort of looking toward trying the apology/explanation option. I don't like the idea of leaving this thing unresolved, especially on a negative note.
It seems like the more mature thing to do.
It seems like the more mature thing to do.
Updates
+1 y
Well, I am happy to say this problem seems to have largely solved itself. I ended up having to work with her on a couple things today and both of us acted pretty much normally. With any luck this is the end of it.
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