I'm conflicted.

[Henry_shalom]

 I'll start off by saying that I'm not a huge fan of work place romance or even the prospect of dating someone who lives close proximit. I've had a past experience with the latter that didn't end well for reasons I'd rather not delve into right now. 

There's this young lady (late twenties, I presume) at my work place that I have developed a keen interest in recent months. We work in different departments. She works as Secondary sales force representative, while I'm in operations (Warehouse management and logistics). In an average work-week of six days, we cross paths like 3 or 4 times for a brief moment, and other times i don't get to see her for 2 whole weeks, because of the nature of the work she does--always on the move. 

In recent months, I've immensely thought about asking her out on a date, but never went through with it due to the fact that I don't like work place relationships, and I'm a shy type, extremely reserved, a bit anti-social kind of guy, which sometimes holds me back from acting in situations like this. And moreover the subtle signals I've been getting from her most of time; catching her staring at me from a distance, exchanging glances here and there, of which I don't know if I'm misreading kind of intensifies that urge to approach her directly.

I really have no idea on how to handle this. Any recommendations? 

[basil67]

If you don't work in close proximity, I don't see anything wrong with it.

That said, let's backpedal a bit - exchanging glances doesn't mean much.  Do you greet each other in passing?  Exchange pleasantries?  If so, is she happy to speak with you?   If not, that's where to start.  

Edited May 2, 2021 by basil67

[Henry_shalom]

6 hours ago, basil67 said:

 

That said, let's backpedal a bit - exchanging glances doesn't mean much.  Do you greet each other in passing?  Exchange pleasantries?  If so, is she happy to speak with you?   If not, that's where to start.  

We speak on some occasion. There was one morning I took an available seat next to where she was sitting in the cafeteria. We ended up throwing jokes at each other.

[Sun Seeker]

6 minutes ago, Henry_shalom said:

We speak on some occasion. There was one morning I took an available seat next to where she was sitting in the cafeteria. We ended up throwing jokes at each other.

So next time you bump into her ask her to go out for a drink together one evening. Easy.

[Calmandfocused]

As punter says. 
 

What’s the worse that can happen? She says No. And if she does say No then don’t take it as a rejection (she maybe dating someone etc) take it as a sign to direct your attention elsewhere. 
 

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. 

[d0nnivain]

Warehouse jobs are plentiful these days.  Would you consider looking for alternative work then asking her out?  

[mortensorchid]

I have said this before and I will say this again: Coworkers are NOT FRIENDS.  It's easy for you to think that coworkers are friends because you are going to spend more time with them than you will with anyone else.  NEVER socialize with coworkers in or outside of the workplace.  Be nice, not too nice.  Don't share much about yourself, ask them questions about them all the time and they will leave a conversation happy and satisfied.  Humans are social creatures and we crave companionship in some way, shape or form.  Never, however, have your social or sexual needs met by a coworker.  If things don't work out between you and them, you will never hear the end of it and you can't escape it unless you get another job and move on.  Look for companionship outside of the workplace.  If any coworker asks you to join them for lunch, dinner or something else outside of the workplace, either with them or a group, turn it down and say you have other plans or you have a lot of work to do.  If you are on a business trip somewhere and they want to do the same, say you have other plans or you are meeting up with friends in town.  The message is STAY AWAY.  And they will stay away.