Why is my coworker acting so awkward around me?

Question

A guy coworker and I had mutual attraction, as he was flirting with me, but I’ve since found out he’s married, so I’ve accepted that and am moving on as it’s a ’no go’ situation.

Since then he seems really awkward and tense around me. He’s started to be really blunt in conversations and distance himself.

Like can’t we just get along as friendly coworkers rather than this off standish attitude all the time. Why is he being like that? I almost feel like he hates me.

Oliverlogan263 · Accepted Answer

Hmm, that's a tricky situation, girl. It sounds like your coworker is feeling really awkward and uncomfortable now that the flirting has stopped.

My guess is that he's feeling guilty or ashamed about flirting with you, even though nothing physical happened. Now that he's realized he crossed a line, he's probably trying to put up some distance to avoid any further temptation or confusion.

The fact that he's being so blunt and standoffish is probably his way of trying to establish some clear boundaries. He might be worried that if he's too friendly, you'll think he still has feelings or that he's trying to lead you on. So he's overcompensating by being cold.

It sucks, but try not to take it personally. He's likely just trying to protect his marriage and avoid any inappropriate situations. The best thing you can do is be the bigger person and just try to keep things professional and friendly between you two. Don't engage in any more flirting or personal conversations.

Over time, as he sees you're respecting the boundaries, he might start to relax a bit. But it might take some time for him to feel completely comfortable around you again. Just keep being kind and understanding, and hopefully he'll come around.

The main thing is not to let his behavior affect your own work or attitude. Stay positive and focused, and don't let his awkwardness bring you down. You're handling this maturely, so just keep doing you, girl.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to talk through this awkward office situation with you.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

how many posts have you put on here? for weeks you have been asking if he likes you and how to get this married man and yet you say you accept he's made a lifelong promise to someone else. It doesn't matter, you know he's married and need to move on and stop trying to ruin other peoples lives.