Would you call this flirty? (Coworker)

[luna97]

I'm 19 (f), my coworker is 44 (m). I've had my job for 3 years now he has worked there for 2. We didn't talk to each other at all until around October.

 

We first talked to each other because a new building was built for my job, and he would give me information on adjusting to the new building (don't go through that hallway today, they're painting, etc stuff like that) The first time he actually began to get to know me was when he saw how sad I looked at work all the time. I was going through rough times and never had a smile on my face. He would always tell me to smile. And if I didn't smile when he walked in to a room I was in, he would say "why aren't you smiling? You should always smile when you see me since it means I'm here to help you."

 

Ever since then we've developed a relationship based on teasing each other. It's hard for me to open up to people and I'm very shy, so it began with him teasing me. I think it began because he wanted me to laugh and he wanted to cheer me up. Eventually when I felt comfortable I started teasing him back. This includes things like hiding objects I need, jokingly saying I can't do my job right, locking doors, etc. I know it's childish stuff but it is fun, and makes me look forward to going to work each day. I smile every time I see him (I've tried not to but I literally can't get myself to stop smiling) My lack of social skills makes me feel uncomfortable about going out, going to parties, and being with people in general. I do have a couple friends my age but a good 90% of our friendship is based off of texting & social media. I think that is one reason I like this coworker so much: because I am getting attention from someone in real life, for once.

 

In November he gave me his phone number (it's a long story but it was related to work) one time when I needed to tell him something in relation to work I texted him, so from then on, he had my number. We frequently text each other but it is always about work or our work banter.

 

I do want to make one thing clear: he has never made any sort of sexual remark or made me feel uncomfortable (I feel that our age differences could make people worry about something like that)

 

In the rare moments where he is actually being serious, he compliments my work and speaks well of my performance to others. He has even taken the time to volunteer On his day off so I could train him to do my job, so that he could help me when we are understaffed. (This was totally on his own terms and he didn't get paid for it)

 

I don't have a thing for much older men typically. He is not my type at all and I wouldn't say I find him physically attractive. But at the same time I feel so (not in love, but whatever you want to call this) with him. I just think of him as charming and fun to be around. But I feel that he gives me so much attention so I wonder if he feels the same (although I would never actually let something occur between us for the sake of our jobs and the fact that it's not realistic long term)

 

Honestly I would ask how can I stop feeling this way about him but that would probably involve cutting off the fun we have (and therefore the reason I actually look forward to going to work)

 

So what do you guys think?

[GunslingerRoland]

It sounds like their is a spark there for both of you... whether he is your normal type or not.

[TheBathWater]

Yes, it is flirting. I don't see this ending well.