I’m a 28-year-old woman who has been single for a long time. About six months ago, I joined a well-reputed fintech organization in Pune. Before relocating for this job, I had virtual interview rounds, during which I interacted with my recruiter. From that very first conversation, I felt he had a special, positive aura.
Coincidentally, when I joined the office, I discovered that despite being in a different department, my seat was assigned to the same floor and in the same bay where my recruiter sits out of 14 floors in this massive office building with North, South, East, and West wings.
Having been single for so long, I found myself drawn to him. He’s cheerful, chivalrous, well-mannered, cute, and a great communicator.
However, I’m facing some challenges:
1. The work culture here is highly professional.
2. Most people in our bay are senior employees, making casual conversations difficult.
3. My team members work from different countries, so I haven’t formed any close friendships. Other employees usually hang out with their own teams, leaving no common ground to initiate conversations or ask him for a coffee.
4. My long-standing struggle with transitioning conversations from formal to casual makes it even harder. I’ve always maintained a strictly professional dynamic with men, and I don’t know how to break that barrier.
I present myself well, I’m respectful, and I maintain my dignity in the workplace. So, despite being deeply attracted to him, I can’t bring myself to be overly expressive or make the first move.
At the same time, suppressing my feelings is becoming increasingly difficult, especially since I see him every day, and sometimes he even sits near me.
**My observations about him:**
- He always greets me with a smile.
- He initiates small conversations like, “I see you coming to the office every day now,” or “You’re leaving early today?”
- When I avoid eye contact out of nervousness, he makes the effort to call my name and greet me.
- He has adjusted my desk height for me a few times.
- He even visited me in the hospital.
- He once mentioned that he felt bad seeing me sit alone since my team isn’t based in India.
I don’t know if his gestures are just acts of kindness and empathy or if there’s something more. My work performance remains unaffected, but I find myself emotionally invested in him, unable to consider anyone else.
What should I do?
Question: Should I make it obvious that I like him?
Option 1: Yes
Option 2: No