Does it mean anything if a friendly older coworker said this to me today?

[Anonymous]

He has low key flirted with me a bunch but also he’s friendly so I don't know. So today he came up to me (he’s from another department at the store I work at) and said

‘I haven’t seen you all day? You didn’t come up to visit me all day. It’s cause you’re mad at me isn’t it?’ Now he’s joking. I get that. He does jokes like this as his whole personality. Lol maybe he’s a corny white guy I don't know! No shade. But also the fact that he said that tI me had me curious cause I feel like it can’t just be a joke right? There must be some truth to it. Because I am shy about my emotions so the last thing I would be doing is even joking about missing anyone’s company LMAO. So even the fact he made such a statement as a joke kinda blows my mind. It’s like… wait what? It makes me pause LoL what’s going on someone tell me

[Guy13]

He’s a nice attention seeker that probably, as a boy, was once the nerdy quiet stereotype who outgrew it. Been there.

He’s attracted to that part of him in you so he’s super comfortable or “the chemistry is good”. He perceives your reserved, protective, and private nature as relatable space.
I’m almost sure what you are feeling there is legit and sincere like/chemistry. Nice guy probably nothing unless you stepped outside of yourself into his personal or emotional space.

[Asker]

Last sentence didn’t make sense. Are you saying he likes me and wants to date or what?

[ShiftingMonke]

If neither of you have expressed anything more than professional courtesy towards each other, aside from his joking (which if he does to everyone, makes it moot) then it probably just was a joke and has no further intent.

[Asker]

He complimented my hair. He states in my eyes intensely at times for a long time

[ShiftingMonke]

Did he do that often? Do you mind that he does it, or does it make you uncomfortable?

[Asker]

I mean it’s not like it happens every day I’m there. We are in different depts so it’s not like there’s ample time to stand around flirting or whatever. I always thought he’s cute. So I was in disbelief when it started happening. I wish he’d ask me out but I don't know if he ever plans to.

[ShiftingMonke]

Why not catch him off guard? Next time you catch him staring, offer to send him a selfie so he can look at you while you are in your department or something like that. Just to break the ice and broker a line of communication.

If he's naturally funny, he's probably quick on his feet mentally so any sort of comments you make that surprise him will definitely seat his interest in you.

Word of advice tho.. I wouldn't fully support dating coworkers, as it's easy for things to get awkward if the relationship fails. But if your employer is large enough for several departments then I suppose you've got a degree of insulation. Just keep that in mind moving forward, and good luck!

[Asker]

Thanks :) that’s an idea!

[Anonymous]

just a dude who constantly has to be interacting with people. ugh.

[Asker]

What’s with that?

[Opinion Owner]

they're extroverts lol

[Asker]

Lmao. At first I assumed he was shy cause he looks nerdy. But now it seems he is not shy really. I don't know.

[Anonymous]

He is just being friendly.

[Asker]

You’re jealous?

[In_Trance]

no it doesn't