How to tell a guy we should just be friends (and workmates)?

[bolase]

Sorry for double posting this week, but to simplify my situation - new guy at my work - we have mutual friends and interests so have hung out a few times outside work. He constantly texts me to do things together, which I take as a sign of interest. he has told me he thinks I am great.

 

But, a) I delegate stuff for him to do at work so it's not really appropriate

b) I am attracted to him but he's too young (6 years younger than me) for the kind of guy I am really looking for.

 

He hasn't expressed explicit interest, and once told me he has no life at the moment - weird thing to say to someone you want to impress?

 

He just asked me out to dinner and I feel I need to address his requests to hang out, not say I'm busy.

 

Any advice?

[Michelle83]

Could you just say you're already seeing someone? Or does he know you're single?

 

Or maybe say you aren't in the place to date right now...or in this case, honesty may be the best policy. You could just tell him you don't feel comfortable dating co-workers. Most people should respect this.

[bolase]

Thanks, yeah, he knows I assume as we have mutual friends. But he hasn't asked me out as such, just to hang out. He is young and I feel that saying I don't feel comfortable dating would assume too much.

[TaraMaiden]

He's beginning to sound as bit like a devoted puppy..... and what a dating resume that is.... "First relationship was with an older woman.... I persisted and finally it paid off....."

 

Erm....No.

 

I hate to be blunt - but I think you need to be blunt.

 

"You know, it's very nice of you to keep asking me to hang out with you, but really, I'm not that interested in going on casual outings, and I'm just not comfortable hanging out with you as a 'buddy' given our work situation, so if it ok with you, I think we need to cool the social side of things.

 

Don't be offended, but I just think blurring the edges is a bad idea."