Office romance hits dead end - now very awkward

[Wondergirl]

I started a new job in the new year and within a week became involved with someone at work - he chased from the moment we met. We went out a few times and had a great time together. He was the first person in a very long time who I would consider getting more involved with. He said he felt the same way...but his boss wasnt happy with the idea of him being involved in a work romance and hinted it would jeopardise his chances of promotion so it had to end. We work in different teams but we sit within a few metres of each other and our teams socialise together alot.

 

We both said we would continue being friends and said something might blossom one day etc. I have been on a couple of dates with others since.

 

It has been 3 months since our brief romance ended and he still seems awkward when i am around. I have been friendly and he is always polite to me and will say hi if i say hi but he wont initiate any contact with me but will always reply if i initiate contact with him. He hasnt been flirtatious at all when i have had contact with him and I know he is actively on the single scene. Apparently he thinks I still really like him (which i do cos i have no reason not to like him).

 

Since our teams have so much to do with each other it is really annoying me that he is awkward. Can anyone give me any idea why he would be acting in this manner and how i should handle it?

[jerbear]

I was involved in a office romance and after learning from my experiences. I would not do it again.

 

It will be very awkward to have an ex running around the office even if it is a few meters.

 

It would take one of the two to move to another site or floor before things become less awkward.

[Curmudgeon]

I rest my case about not fishing in the company pond. It can definitely be a career breaker. For your sake and his, I hope things even out and you can communicate and interact on a friendly but professional level without discomfort one day. Friends at work are fine. As you've unfortunately discovered, anything more can be problematic.

[blind_otter]

I rest my case about not fishing in the company pond. It can definitely be a career breaker. For your sake and his, I hope things even out and you can communicate and interact on a friendly but professional level without discomfort one day. Friends at work are fine. As you've unfortunately discovered, anything more can be problematic.

 

Word. This happens regardless of what type of job you have. If you work closely with the person, this is always a risk with inter-office relationships.

 

Time wounds all heels. I mean heals all wounds.

[SoleMate]

...he still seems awkward when i am around...Can anyone give me any idea why he would be acting in this manner..?

Because he feels awkward. He doesn't know what "category" to put you in: coworker or ex? Or a little of both?

 

...and how i should handle it?

Blandly professional and focussed on the work.

[jerbear]

Blandly professional and focussed on the work.

 

Easier said than done... I had to take a few vacation days to try to get her out of me and it was HARD. First day back, saw flowers on her desk which bought a new low.

 

Anyway.... for the original poster, if possible, maybe consider taking a few days away and go do something else?