To think there’s a chance he fancies me back?

[Matilda1983]

I’m very attracted to a guy at work but unfortunately relationships are not allowed in my profession. We started working together 18 months ago and it was pretty much lust at first sight from my side! He’s a down to earth, caring, funny guy. We have become really close and there’s a lot of smiling and eye contact but nothing has been spoken of because it’s not allowed.

This time last year it was my birthday coming up and I took the day off work to do my own thing. He was the only colleague who texted me and actually was the first person at all to wish me a happy birthday by text! I got a couple of other birthday texts from a couple of relatives and a couple of friends but that was all. And that’s totally fine because I’m a bit older and don’t really care that much about my birthday. I certainly don’t expect other people to care or remember!

So last week he said to me, “It’s your birthday coming up, the 19th isn’t it?”.

I was impressed and surprised that he had remembered the date.

Can I claim it as evidence that he might like me back too....????? Please!! 😊

So AIBU to think he fancies me because he remembered my birthday?

Yes - he fancies you
No - he doesn’t!!

[100PercentThatBitch]

Why aren't relationships allowed?

If you absolutely cannot ever pursue it, it will only cause constant heartache whether you know he likes you back or not

[Matilda1983]

It’s difficult to explain. We could pursue it if one of us left. So it is possible.

[MissConductUS]

He might well fancy you but what are you going to do about it?

[Matilda1983]

Do you think him remembering my birthday is a positive sign or meaningless?

[Stompythedinosaur]

I'm interested in what profession can forbid relationships? In mine people in relationships must declare it and are usually not able to work together, so generally one person is moved to a different team. But to be totally banned seems unusual.

Re whether he fancies you, it's impossible to tell. The only way you'll know is by telling him how you feel.

[managedmis]

Positive sign obviously

What did you say back?

[100PercentThatBitch]

It's a good sign but it's just as much the sign of a good friend as an interested party

[Matilda1983]

I just said that it was well remembered.

[Motherinlawsdung]

Are you a nun and he’s your priest?

[Matilda1983]

I don’t want to say our profession as I’m scared of being identified! Paranoid, I know.

[Matilda1983]

Nunsnet! 🤣

[100PercentThatBitch]

Does he have some sort of responsibility over you, so it would be a conflict?

[SuchAToDo]

He may only see you as a friend (after all friends wish happy birthday and remember birthdays )..but unless he says or you ask you can't know

The only thing is, if relationships are not allowed and you tell him how you feel/ask him how he feels....if he goes and repeats it to the boss and says Matilda1983 told me she has feelings for me/asked if I had feelings for her.....would that be enough in your company for it to jepordised your job?

I would play this very carefully, it's not only your job you could be playing with, it's his too....

[littleorangecat22]

Relationships are forbidden completely, or you're just not allowed to be in a relationship with your coworkers per company policy?

[Matilda1983]

I don’t want to tell him how I feel because it feels like there’s too much riding on it.

I really really like him and fancy him but I don’t want to make a fool of myself. If he is attracted to me then he could just as easily make the first move. However, he’s very much a ‘plays life by the rules’ kind of person so I suspect he would never say anything until one of us leaves.

I can wait but I’m desperate to know whether my feelings are reciprocated. There’s all this electricity but maybe it’s only me who’s feeling it!

[littleorangecat22]

posted too soon

I personally think that if there's something there, it's a waste not to at least mention it to him. Professions shouldn't dictate our personal lives unless theyre a profession that requires it in total (like being a nun as mentioned upthread), and even then I'd be wondering if it was worth it if you might miss out on a great relationship as a consequence.

[Matilda1983]

No relationships with coworkers allowed. I can have a relationship with someone from outside!

He’s more senior than me (but not with access to my HR records and date of birth!).

[100PercentThatBitch]

The only occupations I can think of that might need such a rule is the military or the intelligence services

Is he James Bond?

[MyKingdomForBrie]

Assuming he's single? I'd say he likes you back. Do you message out of work time other than the birthday message? Maybe just text him something innocuous to see if a conversation starts up..

[Matilda1983]

Ha! He might be James Bond 😉

He’s hotter and more intelligent than Bond. And sexier. Swoon...!

[Matilda1983]

Yes we text and chat outside of work already. We’re very close. Except for discussing any ‘feelings’ for each other. He probably knows me better than anybody.

Hmmm. So he probably knows already then.

[Ponoka7]

If it can't go anywhere then it's a waste of time and emotional energy.

I'd be making plans to get on the dating scene, if you want a BF.

[Matilda1983]

I want to know if you think him remembering my birthday from a year ago means that he fancies me back? 😉

[Poignet]

@Ponoka7 is right. It’s irrelevant if you can’t be in a relationship with a co-worker. What are you going to do, quit your job in the hope that he’ll ask you out as soon as you handed in your notice?

[Creepster]

Some people are just like that with everyone.
Pay attention to how he interacts with others and you will have your answer.