Are you wondering if a colleague likes you but is hiding it? Maybe you have a colleague who seems to be checking you out, but you don’t want to assume anything. If you’re wondering if your co-worker is attracted to you, there are a few ways to tell.
Keep reading to discover common signs that your coworker might be secretly in love with you:
Unusual interest in you
1. Always finds an excuse to start a conversation
This is often the most obvious sign that someone is liked at work. This may not always mean that they like or are attracted to you, but it is a strong signal that they like you. If you’re new to the office, you can expect a little buzz while people get to know you. If someone keeps finding an excuse to talk to you, investigate further!
2. Wants to be by your side all the time
If a co-worker is interested in you, they might casually sit in the chair next to yours during meetings without seeming overly eager. Alternatively, they can drive around your table. If they’re actively looking for ways to be around you, it could be a sign that they’re in love with you.
3. Updated about your life
If your co-worker has feelings for you, they tend to stay in touch with your life. They may be aware of your Instagram updates or aware of the tasks you are currently doing, showing constant curiosity. This could mean that they have been secretly watching your social media presence, or they are really paying attention to your jokes and words.
Building a strong bond with someone can be difficult when the only topic of conversation is work. This is an indicator that a colleague may have romantic feelings for you. To be seen as more than just a colleague, they can initiate discussions on various topics in hopes of finding common interests and establishing a deeper connection.
5. Hangs out with you at social events
If a colleague has a subtle attraction to you, one of the most obvious signs will be that they try to spend time with you. This is evident when they acknowledge your participation in work-related events and look forward to your arrival. Their attention will be focused solely on you. Also, they may try to start conversations or find excuses to interact with you. Watch for these behaviors, as they may indicate that your colleague is interested in you.
6. Curious about your dating status
Is your co-worker always curious about your romantic life? This behavior can be attributed to their arrogance or romantic interest in you. Maybe they’re trying to figure out if you’re currently dating someone or open to the idea of dating in the future.
Unusual behavior
7. Behaving awkwardly around you
One of the cutest signs that a co-worker has feelings for you is when they feel anxious or uncomfortable in your company. This can be manifested by stuttering, restlessness or flushing.
8. Obvious body language
When trying to figure out if a colleague has romantic feelings for you, the importance of body language cannot be overstated. Your own body language can indicate whether you reciprocate these feelings, and the same goes for your co-worker. By paying attention to their behavior, such as hugging or lingering, putting a hand on your shoulder when they help you, and making eye contact, you can tell if they have romantic interest in you.
9. Caught staring at you multiple times
While staring is usually considered impolite, a quick glance or a dream about someone you like can be charming. The difference between the two is subtle but significant. If a co-worker keeps looking at you, it can be a sign of their affection for you. This shows that they find you attractive and want to appreciate your appearance.
10. Messages you are out of work
If a co-worker texts you after hours, it could be a sign that he really likes you. Also, if they give an unsolicited reason why they haven’t messaged you for a while, like saying, “Sorry I’m not available, I had lunch with my mom,” that could be a sign that he’s interested in you. Ask your colleagues if this person also texts them, as some like to text a lot.
11. Takes breaks at the same time as yours
One common strategy a man can use to increase his time with you is to try to coordinate his lunch break with yours. He may try to manipulate the situation into having lunch with you, which may give him more opportunities to spend time with you in the dining room or even ask you out for lunch.
You feel special
12. Always offers to help
Another sign that a co-worker likes you but hides it is if they always offer to help you at work. Because they want to appear professional, they mask their commitment by trying to be helpful to you. Aside from trying to impress you, it could also be their way of being close to you.
13. Remembers small details about you
Suppose a colleague remembers specific details of your personal life, such as the name of your pet, your greatest fear, or your opinion of pineapple as a pizza topping. In that case, it could mean that they are romantically interested in you. This is because they may find you incredibly interesting and pay close attention to the details you share about yourself.
14. Tries to impress you with his looks
If a coworker has a crush on you, he’ll likely try to dress more stylishly than usual, and maybe even buy new clothes to impress you. This is because dressing well is essential to making a good impression on someone you’re interested in. So if you want to spot subtle signs that a co-worker is attracted to you, pay attention to what he’s wearing when he knows he’s going to see you.
15. Spends more time with you than with others
People often spend more time with their co-workers than anyone else, so building positive relationships with them is critical to increasing job satisfaction, productivity, and overall happiness. However, if someone spends more time with you than your other colleagues, this may indicate that the colleague likes you but is hiding it.
16. Gives you a funny pet name
It can mean affection if they assign you a silly nickname. They may deliberately choose a funny name to hide their feelings, as a cute nickname like “Sweetie” may reveal too much. So, even if they call you “chubby” because of your chubby cheeks, it might not be particularly romantic, but it can still show love.
17. Ignores their phone when you’re together
If you want to spot subtle hints that a coworker might be interested in you, pay attention to their phone use when you’re together. Do they continue to use their phone when you’re around, or refrain from checking all together? If they avoid using their phone when they are with you, it shows that they enjoy spending time with you!
18. Updated your social media posts
One obvious sign that a co-worker likes you but hides it is if he frequently looks at your social media profiles. You can notice this when they regularly comment on your posts or like your photos. Even if they’re not big fans of your content, if they’re constantly responding to what you post, they might be trying to send you a message. However, they may only selectively respond to your messages and photos as they try to hide their attraction.
19. Randomly asks you out
They may be interested in spending time with you outside of work, but they don’t want it to be a formal date. Instead of asking you out on a date, they suggest hanging out at an event like a festival downtown. It could be because you are attracted to them, but they are hesitant to ask you out for fear of rejection.
Confirm it
These signs can tell you if a co-worker likes you, but hides it. However, the only way to be sure is to ask directly! You have an advantage if you observe many signs that indicate that they are attracted to you. It’s like having some privileged information; they will probably respond positively if you ask about their interest. If you lack the courage to start a conversation, you and your colleague are equally hesitant. One of you should make the first move, unless of course you’re interested.
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Joan is a freelance blogger who enjoys writing about personal development. She also enjoys learning and teaching languages. A Communication Arts graduate, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Language Teaching. She enjoys mobile photography, writes poetry and reads in her free time.
