Coworker (F) texted me "I want to be close" off the clock. What does she mean?

[Anonymous]

A coworker and I have been talking outside of work. Out of nowhere she told me, "I want to be close." I'm not sure how to read it. Could she mean emotionally close, like friendship or a deeper connection? Or is it romantic or physical? We work together, so I don't want to misread it and make things awkward.

How would you interpret this, and how would you respond?

[Static_In_The_Attic]

It means you're an ID-10T if you can’t figure it out.

[Asker]

Is it obvious? It sounded platonic to me.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

Is it obvious? Absofuckinglutely!

[Asker]

What is obvious if you don't mind me asking?

[Static_In_The_Attic]

It’s obvious that you are doing something right & being that she said she wants to be close to you off the clock is a good sign. Love is in the air. Do you like her in return?

[Asker]

I definitely like her and she knows.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

In life I always say if you never try you will never know & in life if you like someone you shouldn’t be afraid to let them know. On the other side of things if you two start a relationship & something goes wrong just remember you two still have to work together unless one of you leave.

[slatyb]

"I want to be close" sounds pretty clear to me; between a man and a woman that usually means romantically close. If she meant something else she would have said so. But you could simply ask her.

When you say "talking outside of work" do you mean face to face, or texting? If you are only texting, then plan a date and invite her. Her response will answer your question.

[Asker]

Do you think it's too risky since we are coworkers?

[slatyb]

That depends on a few things: First, how would you behave if you started dating and she dumped you? Could you still have a good working relationship? Same question if you dumped her. Alternatively, how hard would it be to get a similar job somewhere else?

[Anonymous]

Wants a romantic connection

[Asker]

Why would it mean that? Close sounds ambiguous and platonic.

[Opinion Owner]

Could be I guess, but to me it sounds romantic. Just ask her out and see what happens.

[Asker]

Is it like a lot of risk considering we are coworkers?

[Opinion Owner]

Maybe. Your bosses might get mad. Maybe keep it on the down low if you do end up dating her.