Is she interested in me romantically?

[Robbam555]

I’m a manager at a large corporation and one of my employees has caught my attention. She is very attractive, hard working and dedicated. She’s a single mother. I’ve become very impressed by the fact she try’s so hard to provide for her kids. I help her as best I can to learn about all the benefits the company offers. I also pulled some strings to keep her in the position she’s in. She’s told me how much she appreciates me and thinks I’m a good boss.
So I’m finding myself becoming attracted to her. I’m not acting on anything and currently keeping things professional.

I’m curious if she may have similar feelings about me. She definitely likes me as a person, coworker/boss, but does she like me more than that?
She jokes with me and whenever I pass her she playfully acts like she’s annoyed I’m there. She’s like 🙄 oh great. Look who’s here. Then smiles and laughs.

[jennifer_bloom]

It sounds like she is pulling romantic strings but you have to assess her carefully because she could be leading you on for financial gain, I knew a single mom that slept around and befriended guys with cars for the economic benefits of having male friends.

[Robbam555]

Thanks. Good point. Not what I wanted to hear but thank you. Lol

[ArrowheadSW]

She could very well be interested in you. But since you are in management this is a very touchy situation. I would advise keeping it professional. But if you really think there is potential here, after a long time of thinking about it, it will require a serious discussion. If eventually this evolves into something that you really think might be for you, is there another department that she can transfer to so you won't be her manager?

This hits home because I dated a coworker who was under me in the chain of command, and it was one of the worst things that ever happened to me. I was mid-twenties at the time and I hadn't thought of it all that much ahead of time. I still cringe when I think of it.

[Robbam555]

Thanks.

[Gent207-2]

How to lose your job and possibly more for 200 Alex.

Seriously don't pursue this it rarely ever works out for anybody.

[Robbam555]

I’m being very careful. But I’m thinking if something happened I alone could provide for her and her children.

[Caroline1993]

I’m in a similar situation except I’m her and I’m into my boss. Does she flirt with you? Or look at you a lot? Does she dress up nicely for work?

[Robbam555]

She wears a uniform. But she told me how she wants to style her hair differently. And literally every time I see her she says “oh great” sarcastically.

[Nathan25]

I don't know m8 ask her. Think about how many people you have been interested in that probably dont know

[Robbam555]

Thanks

[slatyb]

She very well may. As her supervisor it would be highly inappropriate for you to make sexual advances.

[Robbam555]

No. I’ve done nothing like that.

[Midgetmcwidget]

Yes sounds like she does like you, ask her out

[Robbam555]

Thank you for your answer. The problem is I’m a manager and that would be considered inappropriate activity.

[Midgetmcwidget]

If you clear it with hr, I’m sure it will be allowed, at my company we have many couples but one has to move areas so no conflict of interest. Is this possible? You mentioned you kept her in the position she is in, how so?

[Robbam555]

The position she originally applied for was a driving position. Unfortunately she didn’t pass the test. Permanent employees get two chances but she was a casual employee so she should have been terminated since casuals only get one chance. She was crying and explained how much she needed this job to support her kids. I didn’t know her then since she was still new but I didn’t have the heart to fire her. I decided to “forget” she was a casual and continued to use her in a non driving position. She has since been hired as a permanent employee so now she gets two more attempts to pass the driving test.

[RavVid]

It seems to me you fancy her but do you prefer her or your job? You can't have both.

[Robbam555]

Yes I’m becoming interested. And I favor my job as of now.

[RavVid]

Just be careful mate. By pulling some strings I'd say you have already not operated in good faith. you have if you have conscientiously enabled a good employee to stay in your corporation. Making her aware of considerations and benefits your corporations bestow on employees is good faith. But every employee in your team deserves the same.

Be aware she might like you but not LIKE you.

At some point though if things are to progress romantically than she can't be under you in a corporate sense. Probably it is easier for her to go sideways than for you. But there is going to have to be a how do you feel about me convo. i would hope that if you are honest then she will respect your regard for her and maybe you can work it out.

I know I am not telling you anything new. But it is worthwhile going to church and being told not to covet thy neighbors wife etc etc... and that's my net summary. Good luck and hope two good people succeed! Cheers

[Robbam555]

I feel the same way. Thank you for taking the time to share your advice.

[RavVid]

Just a shame guys and gals can't be guys and gals at work any more. There have been a few newspaper articles here lately. One was on how many marriages happened in a particular large corporate. Another on how a girl bemoaning how men were too scared to show interest in her.

Good luck mate - you'll be fine.