Have been working closely with a new colleague over the last few months (colleague does key role that directly impacts on my work).
Been getting on really well professionally with colleague (he’s v easygoing, understanding and helpful) even though his role is way more pressured than mine and is generally a very full-on job.
We’ve both been working remotely so haven’t actually met in person, but we have had a couple of phone calls to talk about work-related stuff, as it can be easier than sending emails/instant messages. We’ve had some nice chit chat/intro chat, and broken the ice/had a few laughs, but mostly just been work-related.
I find this tricky to admit as I’m a bit ashamed, but I quite like him and would like to get to know him better.
I’m aware that how I’m feeling is definitely partly due to the COVID-related situation:
- I’m working remotely so don’t have my normal contact with colleagues - which I’m really missing)
- I haven’t really had a chance to see any of my friends face to face over the last few months although we’ve had chats online and on Skype etc
- my team’s workload has gone through the roof, which has been really stressful (although it’s been helpful as a way of taking my mind off all these other things, so I haven’t ruminated on them as much as I could’ve done, I suppose).
So I’m just trying to work out whether I’m basically putting my colleague on a bit of a pedestal or if it’s a good idea to want to get to know him better?
We both work in the same city, although will probably need to continue to work remotely for the foreseeable future (no idea at this stage when our office will re-open).
Is it a crazy idea to ask him if he wants to get a drink/coffee? I feel ashamed even writing this because I feel so certain my colleague will say no if I do ask (and I’m so worried that me asking him and him saying no will damage our working relationship, which I really want to keep) so I just think this is all a non-starter. But I also would like to get to know him better if I can.
What do you all reckon? I feel like it’s a bit of a minefield and I just don’t want to take any risks/do anything stupid. Am I being ridiculous?
Thanks everyone!