Although many couples start dating at work, it can be risky at first. We all want to avoid putting our jobs at risk, so knowing the signs that coworkers like you can make the decision easier.
While it can be hard to maintain a balanced work-life relationship, many people find it beneficial to maintain a connection at work. It’s not for everyone, but if it’s something that you’re comfortable with, then why not?
Before you start a relationship with a colleague, it’s important that you first know if they like you back.
Maybe there’s a coworker who’s showing signs that they like you, but you’re not sure if they actually do. Knowing the signs that they like you can help avoid any potential embarrassment.
Be cautious when dating a coworker
Although it’s fun to be in a relationship with someone at work, it can also be very risky. You have to put up a professional face in order to avoid being perceived as an unprofessional person.
Some workplaces have policies that prohibit employees from dating their coworkers. In this case, you would have to be very careful since you don’t want to be fired.
Below are some signs that will help you determine if a colleague likes you. However, before you start a relationship with a coworker, it’s important that both of you have a good understanding of the potential consequences.
How to spot the signs a coworker is obsessed with you
You’ll have to be extra vigilant if you want to learn how to determine if a colleague likes you. Just like you, they’re likely anxious about whether or not they like somebody from work.
If you’re a seasoned flirt, you can use this technique to your advantage by detecting when your colleague is flirting with you. For instance, they may keep looking at you, or they might touch or giggle as they’re around you.
These are some of the simple yet subtle signals that a coworker might be flirting with you, so ask yourself if you’re ready for the consequences of being in a relationship with someone from work.
Dating a coworker: Is it a good or bad idea?
If you’re unsure whether it’s a good idea to be in a relationship with a colleague from work, it depends on your preferences. Some people are open to it, while others are not. There are certain complications that can occur when you’re in a relationship with a colleague from work.
Things may get awkward if they don’t work out or if you get embarrassed in front of them. The worst part is that they might become your close friend, and suddenly, your friendship is affected if you discover they like you.
This could be the kind of relationship that you’ve always wanted. If you can determine the subtle signs that indicate that a colleague likes you, then it could be a great relationship.
Although relationships and dating are inherently risky, it is ultimately up to you if you are willing to take the risks.
The subtle signs that a coworker secretly likes you
Although it’s not as hard as it sounds, it takes a bit of insight to figure out if a colleague likes you. The chances are that they’re hiding their feelings or are not being honest with you.
If you’re planning on asking them out or making a move, then you should know whether they like you or not. There are a few subtle signs that show whether or not they like you.
1. They stare
One of the most subtle yet overwhelming signs that a coworker genuinely likes you is when they stare at you. It doesn’t mean that they’re secretly eyeing you or that they’re being creepy.
If your colleague continues to stare at you, don’t be alarmed. Instead, take it as a compliment and use it as an indication that they like you. It could also be that they’re trying to check you out.
2. They know what’s going on with you
Like you, their interest in you grows as they become aware of what you are up to on your Instagram account or in the project you’re working. This implies that they either secretly stalk your social media presence or are monitoring your every move.
These are merely indicators that your colleagues are interested in you and are fond of you. Knowing what you’re up to gives them an opportunity to connect with you. If you wish to learn how to determine if a colleague likes you, it is advisable to assess their familiarity with your social life.
3. They make time for you
You’re likely focused on work when you’re at work. One of the most subtle signs that your colleagues like you is when they take time away from their schedule to allocate quality time to you.
If you don’t like a colleague or have feelings for them, then you won’t give them a portion of your time.
4. They talk to you about non-work topics
A colleague who is genuinely interested in you will be more thorough in their conversations. They won’t be dishing out negative comments about your boss or someobe else over an accounting mistake.
You are not just a colleague if they talk about personal matters, such as their family or interests.
If a colleague doesn’t like you, then they’re not likely to talk about these personal matters with you.
5. They cling to you at work events
One of the most significant signs that a colleague genuinely likes you is their eagerness to spend time with one another. They will double-check that they are planning on joining you for the company holiday party or picnic, and they will wait for you upon reaching the event.
Even at work events and social gatherings, their eyes are on you because they like you. Some signs that you should watch out for include making excuses to talk to you, and finding a reason to communicate with you.
6. They make you a priority
One rule of thumb is that no coworker should prioritize you unless they also like you. This includes things like making sure that you’re taking care of your workload or reaching out if you’re sick.
They make sure that you’re doing well, and they’ll do anything in their power to ensure that you’re receiving the best possible care.
7. They remember what you say
If you’re like most people, you likely feel like you’re always in a zone at work. However, if a colleague likes you, then they’ll likely remember every detail that you’ve shared.
If you’re at a party with your grandmother for her birthday, then they’ll likely notice that you brought her a sweater. They’ll then ask if she liked it after you told them that you bought it. Being mindful of small details is a strong sign that a colleague likes you.
8. They notice any changes to your look
The physical appearance of one’s body is one of the most important factors that people consider when deciding if they like a person. They may notice a subtle change in your appearance, such as a haircut or a new suit.
Your clothes, hair, and other personal attributes could also be an indication that a colleague likes you. They’ll likely compliment you if they like you.
9. They notice changes in your mood
If a colleague tries to perk you up whenever you’re having a bad day, then they’re likely showing signs that they like you. Maybe you’re getting annoyed at your supervisor or stressed out due to your deadlines.
You’ll likely be able to tell them if you’re feeling down, as they may try to cheer you up. You’ll likely be unable to hide your feelings from them.
10. Body language
Knowing the subtle signs that a colleague likes you requires good body language. Both of you should be able to read each other’s body language.
You can also check the signals that a colleague likes you by asking these questions: Does they extend their hand when helping you? Gestures such as eye contact and the presence of a hug or a prolonged look will let you know if they truly care about you.
11. They avoid their phone when you’re together
Most people spend their time glued to their phones at work. If you’re trying to detect the subtle signs that an individual likes you, then you should pay close attention to how they use their devices when they’re around you.
Since they don’t use their phones when you’re around them, it’s a strong indication that they like you and your company.
12. They try to impress you
They try to make you giggle or show off their weekend plans without trying to impress you with a killer presentation.
They’re likely trying their best to impress you, and if they do, they must also like you. We tend to put our best effort when trying to catch someone’s attention.
13. They remember your food or coffee order
If a colleague surprises you with a coffee or a favorite meal during work hours, then they’re likely showing signs that they like you. They’re trying to make you remember them by giving you something simple, and it shows that they care about you.
No one should ever forget about the things that they love unless they like you. So, if you ever receive thoughtful surprises, such as these, you can easily tell if your coworkers like you by remembering your favorite meals and coffee.
14. They are nervous
The presence of anxiety can be a sign that a person likes you. A flustered or embarrassed look when you approach their office or compliment them is a sign that they like you, too.
You may feel anxious around your crush, which means that they may still care about you even if they’re fidgeting or otherwise unable to keep their distance. Compliment them if they do.
15. You can feel it
The most subtle way that a coworker likes you is by the feeling that you get. This is not something that you can explain, but it’s likely something that you already know.
You should be able to tell if your coworkers like you based on the obvious signs of affection. You have no reason to be skeptical now.
16. They always seek your help
You can get your crush’s attention if you ask for their help with certain tasks. For instance, if your colleague always asks you for assistance with certain projects, even if they can handle it on their own, then they’re likely trying to catch your attention.
One of the most subtle ways that a coworker may like you is by asking for help.
17. They dress up better than usual
If you’re being crushed by your crush, then your coworkers are likely going to try their best to look better than they usually do. They might have even gone to the store to buy new clothes to show off their style.
The first impression that you want to make about a potential crush is through good dressing. So if you’re looking for the subtle signs that a colleague may like you, watch for their clothes.
18. They try and get to know you better
If you have a coworker that likes you, then they’re likely going to do whatever it takes to get to know you better. They’ll ask you questions, listen intently to your stories, and more.
They may also try to get to know your colleagues in the workplace since they know who your closest friends are.
19. They make you laugh
One of the most concrete signs that a coworker may like you is when they try to make you laugh. If they’re cracking jokes around you, trying to bring out a smile, or making corny jokes, then they must like you.
Even if it’s just a joke, this means that they want to see you happy and smiling.
20. They flirt with you
Flirting is an obvious way to tell that a coworker likes you, and if they do it in a subtle manner, then they’re trying to convey their affection for you.
If a coworker flirts with you, then they’re not just showing their affection for you, but they’re also showing their commitment to you.
21. They try to get you to hang out with them outside work
Although there are some things that are considered friendly dates, your coworkers may already be planning on asking you out on a date if you show signs of flirting and you hang out with them outside of work.
You are at this moment in time where you decide whether or not you want to continue working with them.
22. They talk to you more than they do the others
If you notice that a certain colleague talks to you more frequently than the other people in the office, then it’s a sign that they may be interested in you. People tend to talk to people who they like more than those who are just being polite.
23. Their shifts often match yours
If you suddenly find yourself in shifts that are aligned with theirs, then it could be that your coworkers are genuinely interested in spending more time with you.
It could be that your colleagues are hoping that you are in the same position as them. Maybe they are just asking for a schedule that works for them.
24. They ask you pointless questions
If you notice that your coworkers are constantly asking you questions that are very obvious to answer, then it’s likely that they’re just trying to see you more and get an excuse to talk to you.
If your coworkers are intentionally asking you pointless questions, then it’s likely that they’re just trying to get an excuse to talk to you.
25. They look at you in group meetings
Have you ever noticed that someone is looking at you in a group meeting several times? This could be a sign that they’re trying to get you to take notice of them or that they’re genuinely interested in talking to you.
26. They act differently around you
It is easier to determine whether an individual is interested in talking to another person or if they are merely doing it because it is polite.
They may be coming around you in a cheerful and optimistic manner, conversing calmly and cordially, when conversing with others. This is a clear indication that they genuinely like you.
27. Their body language is screaming at you
A person’s body language can give clues as to whether they’re interested in talking to you or not. For instance, they may lean toward you or fidget with their clothes if they see you approaching.
These are some body language signals that indicate that an individual likes you. If you see this happening a lot in your interactions with your coworkers, it’s a good indication that they are interested in talking to you.
28. They make lingering eye contact
Eye contact is also a powerful body language signal that someone is interested in you. In a professional setting, people tend to make eye contact when they speak.
The length of the eye contact lingers after you’ve finished talking or after you’ve interacted with someone else. If they’re interested in you, then they may have been looking at you more often than necessary.
29. They give you a silly nickname
Sometimes coworkers would give you nicknames as a way of expressing their frustration or to make you feel bad about how you performed on your first day.
But if one of your coworkers has come up with a unique nickname for you, and they refuse to call you anything else, then it could be a sign that they like you.
30. They poke playful fun at you
It’s not just for little kids to indulge in this behavior. Even adults can indulge in this behavior when they like somebody. If one of your coworkers harbors resentment towards you or is dishing out harsh criticism on a regular basis, they may genuinely like you.
It’s important to distinguish between being mean to someone and being playful. Knowing how to tell if a colleague likes you can be achieved by observing if they’re being playful around you.
31. They park close to you in the parking lot
If they’ve managed to figure out which car is yours, and they park next to you on a daily basis, then this could be a sign that they genuinely like you.
They’re intentionally setting up this so that they can walk with you to your vehicle after work, giving them the excuse to talk to you privately.
32. They always ask if you’ll be attending work functions
They always ask if you’ll be at work events or luncheons, especially if they’re hoping to see you there in a casual setting. This could indicate that they’re genuinely interested in you.
33. They agree with you on almost everything about work
How can you tell if a colleague likes you? They’ll almost always agree with you on work-related topics.
You typically give your opinion during meetings, and your colleagues will always support you up, demonstrating that they care about you and hoping that it will make you want to get to know them more.
34. They make little jokes in meetings that only you can hear
They’ll lean in close and make a joke for you while they’re in meetings, just to show that they like you. Their goal is to make you laugh so that you’ll like them.
How to know if someone likes you at work?
Watch out for their behavior and body language when trying to determine if your coworker likes you. Remember that people who like you will do anything to catch your attention.
There are many signals out there, so it’s important to take note of these subtle yet crucial signs of a colleague liking you. If they do, then you have to decide whether to take any action.