confusedincali3 Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 I work in a high profile business who mainly caters to other high profiles individuals and businesses. We pride ourselves on highly personal service, which is something that our competitors do not offer. Because of this, several of my coworkers have clients that they are close with and spend time with outside of work. I have befriended one of our clients in the past year and we have what i believe to be a pretty good relationship. We have hung out together outside of work a few times, etc. Recently, we have taken to giving each other a hug (in my case) or a kiss on the cheek(I have never done this to him as I feel uncomfortable doing so- he is the only one who has done this) before the other leaves and finishes up business for the day. I thought nothing of this basic exchange of affection, until a few weeks ago, when this client pulled me to the side and told me that we could only be friends and that there was a firm line that would definatley never be crossed and that I had somehow been making him question what I wanted from him. Granted that occasionally I will do other things, such as sending him a random text message here or there (we're talking one a month, max), but I am a little confused as to where this is coming from. He mentioned one particular week that I had made him feel uncomfortable, but I cant think of anything I did out of the ordinary this week except for the normal random conversation stuff. However, that same week he was kissing me on the cheek at my desk! I am just really confused as to why he feels that I am the one who is pushing this to go further as a friendship... I have never kissed him, only vice versa. Can you really read that much into a hug, a smile and friendly conversation? I was so shocked I didnt know what to say... and then he claimed that he thought my boss was no longer talking to him or being friendly because he is worried she thinks he and I have something going on on the side... do you think he is just overly worried about his reputation??? I know for sure he does not have a thing for my boss...help! :-(
jerbear Posted February 26, 2009 Posted February 26, 2009 Well some high profile people and businesses work differently. Many of them share the same country clubs and are on the same boards. They've become good friends over time and greetings go from handshakes to hugs and cheek kisses. Some may even be in-laws or related in some form, i.e. cousins. I've seen some European women do the familial cheek kiss when greeting business associates who also happen to be their friends or/& family. Hugs at work may not seem appropriate at times but it is acceptable because of their other connections. Based on your context, I think he likes you and is seeking to either entrap you or have you make the first move so he can be absolved of responsibility by saying she (you) initiated it. Anyway, I do wish you the best in this situation.
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