What boss expects in return after giving you an expensive gift without any occasion and flirting with you?

[Anonymous]

My boss wanted to give a jewellery and when I asked why and saying feel bad without returning anything, he replied ‘it just looks amazing on you’.

[Anonymous]

Oh honey, red flags are waving like crazy! A boss shouldn't be flirting or giving expensive gifts. They might be expecting something in return, like loyalty, special treatment, or even worse. Don't accept the gift, and document everything - the flirting, the gift. Talk to HR or a trusted coworker. Your safety and comfort at work are most important!

[Anonymous]

I would politely turn it down. You being so sweet to him in general and accepting his gift, this could be him trying to make a move on you and I would want to be clear with him about not blurring those lines.

[Asker]

I accepted first gift since it’s secret santa gift that organized by department but he gave late to prevent people knowing what he would give and asked me to discrete it to avoid misunderstandings. now he wanted to give me another gift to match the first gift. i was abit scared if he wants something in return but he just said ‘it looks amazing on you. if you have matching set, it would look double amazing’ when i asked why. im not sure if he is expecting something in return?

[Opinion Owner]

A secret Santa gift should not be a two part deal, especially not months apart like this with all the complimenting on top of that. It is definitely suggestive and if I were you I’d speaking privately with HR. We go over these things in a training video about what is appropriate in the workplace and what is not. The fact he gave you this gift in two parts tells me he was planning this from the moment he got that extravagant gift, and gave it to you discreetly because he knows it’s not appropriate and people would talk.

[Asker]

Thank you for giving your opinion. May I know whats actually he’s expecting in return in your opinion? Or he does not expect anything but just to show that he likes me?

[Opinion Owner]

Office relationships are often times just for flings, and the fact that he’s being so secretive could suggest he does want that with you. Unless you like him as well, I’d be reporting him.

[Darkest-Knight]

He's hoping for sexual favors.

[Asker]

hm would he? he didn't mention anything after i said i feel bad to accept since i dont have anything in return.