How to politely ignore married coworker who you have a crush on?

[Anonymous]

I'm almost in love with a coworker. He's married but flirts with me. Lately, whenever he's around, if I can, I'll leave the room, because I don't want to be alone with him, for obvious reasons! It hurts me to do this, but I just have to put up with this feeling. Yesterday, I was sad, because of my feelings for him and I ignored him. He seemed pissed off. Anyway, I like the guy, is there a way to politely ignore him? I don't want other people to start wondering why we're pissed off at each other. We don't talk that much, it's more him flirting with me, I'm really shy and lonely. So I just fell for the attention. I'm trying to do the right thing..

[jesseray]

Ignoring the problem will not fix the problem. The problem is that you did not draw a sharp line between you and him, and drawing that line is how you will fix the problem.

Remind him that he's married and it's not appropriate for the two of you to flirt with eachother. If he brings up past flirtation as a reason to continue flirting, admit that you made a mistake and then reaffirm that it's not appropriate for the two of you to flirt with eachother. Each and every time he tries to flirt, reaffirm that it's not appropriate.

If he's still flirting with you after a week has passed, warn him that his behavior constitutes harassment and that you are not afraid to tell his superiors about it. If he persists, then tell his superiors.

Do whatever you need to do to DRAW THE LINE.

[Asker]

Thanks! You're right! I'll do that..