I have a crush on my manager… (office edition)
A tale as old as time… I (32F) found myself captivated by my manager (36M). This realization crept in slowly—almost a year into our working relationship, I began to see him in a new light. I’ve always thought he was attractive; his charming smile and captivating eyes drew me in. Not to mention, he’s intelligent, positive, and kind, exuding a distinctly masculine energy. Before I knew it, I was smitten. Initially, I believed this infatuation would be fleeting, but it’s been four months now, and if anything, my feelings have only intensified. I genuinely want what’s best for him and would never want to disrupt our professional lives or our working dynamic. I’m determined to handle this situation thoughtfully, to the extent that I'm even considering switching teams or, in the worst-case scenario, finding a job elsewhere. These feelings have been weighing heavily on me; I feel drained. My sleep has suffered since this started, and I’ve lost my appetite. Lately, I’ve been getting the impression that he might feel the same way, but I’m left puzzled—could I be misinterpreting his actions? Am I simply blinded by my own feelings, or is there something real brewing beneath the surface? I could use some guidance! Here are some signs I’ve noticed: 1. He genuinely seems to care about when I’m doing well, often asking about my well-being and how my weekend went. 2. When he approaches my workspace, he tends to stand just a bit closer than necessary, though I don't move away—it feels nice to have him near. He often leans in while we talk, too. 3. Occasionally, when he asks me to pass him something, our hands or arms brush against each other. While these could be accidental, it’s happened a few times. 4. In group settings, he always positions his feet toward me, even if it means tweaking his posture—regardless of whether he’s facing me directly. 5. He laughs at even my worst jokes and has a big smile whenever he’s around me. 6. Our eye contact feels particularly intense, as if we share a profound connection. Sometimes when he talks to me and makes eye contact, I completely zone out, relying on automatic responses like “Mhm” and “Yes.” 7. Some colleagues have picked up on this dynamic—though I’m not sure if they’re sensing something from me or him. One time, while he was laughing in our work chat, a coworker kept turning to look at me, seemingly trying to gauge my reaction. I just feigned boredom and avoided using my keyboard. It felt as if she was trying to catch something unspoken. We strictly communicate about work via chat, email, or text, but our personal conversations are reserved for face-to-face interactions, especially during one-on-one meetings. 8. I often catch him stealing glances in my direction. 9. Occasionally, he blushes or seems nervous around me, but I can’t tell if it’s due to me or if he’s generally a nervous person. 10. He sometimes stumbles over his words or appears distracted during our conversations. Deep down, despite my infatuation clouding my judgment, I can’t ignore the signs that suggest something might be happening. There has to be more than just my imagination… right?