Why can't we talk to each other?

[krazyk]

I've been lurking for a while now, but this is my first post. There is a guy at work who has me confused. We can talk and joke around with each other when other people are with us or even near by, but as soon as we are alone--silence. There is this awkward silence to the point that I finally make an excuse and leave. I like this guy and would like to be closer friends. He's so much fun when we're being silly. Why can't we talk to each other when it's just the two of us? It's like he's a different person. He probably thinks that about me too, but I've never really been one to start conversations. When we're joking around, he always starts it. Why does he clam up on me?

[Suiyobi]

Study his body language some more, you should notice if he's interested in you or not even if he doesn't actually say anything. Also, he could be terribly shy in speaking with girls alone, on the other hand, he feels more comfortable when there are other people around. This can be a sign of shyness, but on a twisted level. If anything, you should be the one to "break the ice" and try to talk to him when it's just you two. Take things slow.

[krazyk]

Thanks for the reply. This has been going on for a few months now. I have caught him staring at me, and when we look at each other we both get stupid grins on our faces. He started visiting my work area more, and there have been other signs too. Another coworker asked me if I would go out with him, but I changed the subject quickly since the office gossips were getting too close to us. She hasn't asked since then. I really don't think it would be a good idea to date this guy because of our jobs, but I would like for us to be friends who are comfortable around each other. (Fell for a guy at work before--not a good situation at all!) Maybe we're having a hard time talking to each other because we are afraid of getting too close. I don't know. I'm just going to say something really stupid next time we're alone and see what happens. I'm too old for this.