When you spend most of your time at work, it can be hard if you don’t find anyone there to connect with. But what happens when you make a new friend at your place of work… and you get curious to see whether it might mean the start of something that’s not ‘just friendly’? Reader Paige* is in this exact dilemma, and has enlisted the help of our resident advice columnist Paisley Billings to help…
The big problem
Hi Paisley,
This year I started a new job in a sector I’ve wanted to get into for a really long time. The team was welcoming at the start, and they’re friendly enough, but everyone pretty much sticks to themselves past the ‘how was your weekend?’ and ‘see you tomorrow’ chats. It’s fine, but it can feel a little isolating at times… however, three months ago a different part of the company moved to our floor, and I quickly struck up a friendship with a guy from the recruitment team. At first, we bonded over being pretty much the only people of colour around, and memories of what our areas of London looked like pre-gentrification – but it’s quickly turned a lot more flirtatious, to the point where we were holding hands in the park the other day! I do quite fancy him, and I’m tempted to let our attractions take over and go even further – but I also don’t want to risk ruining the one genuine friendship I have in this office. Should I ‘risk it all’ and let things blossom, or put a pin in it before anything even starts?
Thanks so much girl!
Paige xx
Paisley’s solution
Hey babes,
Congratulations for getting into a career you’ve always wanted to be in. I think if you really fancy him, you should go for it. Test the waters by seeing each other outside of work. The best relationships come from friendships so if you put a pin in it now you might miss out on something really special. Enjoy the flirting and see where things go… just make sure you don’t get distracted from your work. Remember: you worked hard to get to where you are and it would be silly to fumble the bag over a man. As long as you’re getting your job done and doing well, I don’t see why you can’t take it slow and give things a go. Good luck!
Sending love and light,
Paisley B.
