Developing a flirtatious relationship with someone at work can make long days breeze by, and the prospect of running into your crush during trips to the coffee machine can be entertaining.You don't want to endanger your career by overstepping boundaries.There is a line between work-appropriate flirting and setting yourself up for disaster.The tips for creating an appropriate workplace flirtation will save you a lot of embarrassment and keep your professional reputation intact.
Step 1: You shouldn't get thrown into the friend zone.
You need to work harder for her to see you in a different light since you'll only be seeing her during the time that her brain is in work mode.She sees you as a real person, rather than just a colleague, if you share things about yourself.Let her know that you are taking classes on Wednesday nights or mountain biking on the weekends.Don't make it obvious that you're available.Studies show that it's possible to create chemistry between two people.There are inside jokes.Send her trailers for the upcoming season if you have a favorite show in common.
Step 2: Gain her respect.
Professional success is more important to a colleague than anything else, so show her what an all-star you are at your job.You will most likely get praise from those who work with you, which will get back to her.She will view you in a positive light if you win awards or implement successful projects.She may refer to you when she has a question.In your area of expertise, help others.This will allow you to show off your skills while showing how helpful you can be.This tactic will strengthen your career.
Step 3: You can laugh at her jokes.
Making her feel good about herself is a sure way to get her attention.She will be very comfortable around you.It will show her that you have something in common and that it will be easier to break the ice.You don't want to come off as fake if you laugh at her.To prove that you have a sense of humor, make a few jokes.The point is to put a smile on her face.What does a pepper do?Gets a business.Sending her small jokes throughout the day is a great way to give her a lift up, and she'll smile whenever she sees a message from you.
Step 4: Take care of your appearance.
You will never be able to leave the friend zone if you look like you just rolled out of bed.There is a mix of professional and sexy.It is important that your clothing displays your best assets and that you take your job seriously.If you've been told that the color blue brings out your eyes, wear something with blue in it.Remember, you should still be office-appropriate, and this doesn't mean showing too much skin.If you work in a casual office environment, wear a dress or skirt and put on some make-up so you stand out.A collared shirt is better for men than a t-shirt.She will notice how put together you look if you have nice slacks and a tie.
Step 5: Be friendly.
If you are waiting for your crush to make the first move, looking lost in an excel document, or constantly having your headphones on, is a bad move.She will be more likely to engage you in conversation if you show her how friendly you are with those around you.She should be included in chats you're having with other colleagues.Paying attention to her in this way will flatter her and show you value her input.You should smile and be warm.
Step 6: When you see her around the office, initiate casual chat through email, instant messaging or both.
This is a good time to show her how smart you are.wit and humor win people over.We talked about it being a good joke.Don't limit your communication to the web, make sure you supplement it with in-person interaction.When you're waiting for your tea to brew or in line for lunch, ask her if she's been to any movies recently.If she swings by her desk in the morning, she can ask how her day is going or what she did the night before.Keep eye contact while smiling.This shows that you are confident and assertive.To show that you're interested, give her subtle, under the radar compliment.Let her know that she did a good job on the presentation and that you noticed her new haircut or glasses.
Step 7: Be all ears.
People love to commiserate, so whether it is listening to her complain about a coworker or covering for her when she is out of town, be a reliable confidante.You will develop a real camaraderie once she trusts you.Asking open-ended questions, giving your own opinions about what she says, and repeating some of it will help her gain her trust.This shows that you're listening.She's likely to open up to you more if you communicate some personal information of your own.Don't tell anyone in the office what she tells you.You don't want to give the impression that you're shallow or unkind if you take the banter too far.
Step 8: If you can bring her a coffee, please.
This is the best way to get her attention.She can accompany you if she is interested.Getting to know each other on a personal level is what this means.She likes to have her coffee on her desk in the morning.
Step 9: Ask her for help with your project.
If in-office collaboration means getting your cute counterpart to help you make a deadline, more power to you.You don't know anything and be humble.She will feel useful if she teaches you something.The two of you will bond when you work on something together.Your crush will be more likely to open up to you if she feels self assured and capable.You can show her you care by praising her work in a genuine way.
Step 10: Walk her out of the building.
You can take the elevator with her if you leave the office at the same time.You should give her the hint that you would like to spend more time with her.If you have a car, give your crush a ride home.It's a good idea to ride the train with her if you happen to live off the same subway line.
Step 11: An office happy hour is initiated.
If you want to spend time together outside of the office, planning a group activity is the way to go.If you include at least two or three other co-workers, you will not have to worry about this seeming like a date.She might see you in a whole new light once you loosen up outside of the office.She will want to continue to spend time with you away from the office if you focus on non-work topics.Ask her what countries she's traveled to and what kind of music she likes.A drink or two will make you feel comfortable enough to invite her out on her own.
Step 12: It's a good idea to flirt with one co-worker at a time.
You don't want your work to suffer because of a bad reputation around the office.If you get the idea that you're not trustworthy, they might question your work integrity as well.If she gets the idea you are disingenuous, nothing will turn off a potential work crush.
Step 13: Keep your flirting sessions under wraps.
You don't want to get her into trouble.If you're in front of other co-workers, refrain from teasing or joking.If you keep the conversations between the two of you, they will feel more meaningful.It will save both of you from embarrassment.Before you tell anyone about your office romance, be sure to research your company's policy on in-office romance.She will appreciate you being protective of her reputation.
Step 14: Don't flirt with your superior.
This could ruin your reputation and cause you to be fired.The wrong impression could be given to your boss and peers.People might conclude that you don't take your job seriously.If your boss flirts with you, it is a good idea to refuse the advances for the sake of your career and reputation.Your manager may think you are just trying to further your career.
Step 15: Don't get too emotional.
Others watching may feel snubbed or uncomfortable.The last thing you want to do is distract your office mates from their work because you and your crush can't keep your hands off of each other.If your crush isn't interested in you, physical contact could turn her off.If a colleague determines that you're giving special attention to someone in the office, they may be jealous and bitter.They might be able to get managers involved.If you think the situation is different than it is, you could get flagged as the office creeps.
Step 16: If someone gets hurt, don't flirt with them.
If you are only looking for an office fling but know your crush is hoping for a relationship, stick to a friendship.It isn't worth dealing with the awkwardness of differing expectations when you go into the office.If you're unsure, look for an office mate who knows your crush's situation.If you want to pursue someone, avoid them if they are married or involved in a relationship.
Step 17: If there is progress between you, keep it clean.
Don't use risky language when logging onto your professional phone or email accounts.Physical encounters should not be carried out from the office.You could get into trouble with your company if you mix your personal life with a colleague.
Step 18: Don't let an office romance get in the way of your professional obligations.
It's time to refocus your energy if you're finding yourself flirting with deadlines and the quality of your work is suffering.Lunch breaks and coffee runs can be great for flirting, but remember to remember what is important, or you might find yourself without a job.It's a good excuse to spend some time together outside of the office if you find this happening.