Workplace Awkwardness

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How do you deal with this situation - being flirted with and asked out by a colleague?

How do you keep it from getting awkward? I bump into this person multiple times a day and don’t want it to be weird.

At least none of my kids will be in his classroom next year unless that changes. (I’m a learning support teacher.) I would still see him multiple times a day, though, based on the position of his room in relation to mine.

The more time that passes the less weird it gets. It will maybe be a bit weird at first, but eventually you'll get back to normal. That's been my experience anyway.

Sure it could be awkward….and it’s not fair for you.

Certainly, don’t give in to the pressure and go on even a “friendship” date with him if he has expressed some sort of romantic/sexual interest in you.

Assuming you aren't interested, just be honest and say you aren't interested. It doesn't have to be different than if you met him somewhere else. If you feel like you need to give a reason you can add that you aren't looking for a relationship or you don't want to date anyone from work, but you aren't obliged to give a reason and it doesn't need to be awkward.

Chances are he asks out quite a few people, and he may even have a partner by next school year.

You might want to read up on your district's sexual harassment policies.

I wouldn't worry about avoiding "awkwardness" if what he's doing is prohibited! Don't put up with it!!

The best thing to do is probably give off disinterested signals and hope he gets the message. If he keeps bothering you, a more direct rejection may be necessary. If he keeps bothering you after that, you'll probably need to report him.

It turns out that he’s married and still with his wife.

Curiouser and curiouser.

At least you know that.

If he's told you he's married, tell him you don't date married men.

If he hasn't told you, just tell him you don't date workplace colleagues.

Similar to what RSE has said.

Lots of married men flirt and have affairs whether they are emotional affairs or physical.

(Same with married women, sadly.)


I’d tell him to stop. Put it in writing if you need to. Keep notes of anything creepy that he does. If he persists let your union know about it, and file a grievance.