How should I reply to this message?

[Autumn1000]

Need some advice. Me and this guy matched on Tinder. We work together. We don't work directly with each other every day but we have to discuss things now and then.
We have been chatting a bit and he's just replied in his message with this:

"I’m not sure why i swiped as I don’t think a work relationship is a good idea!! you are cute though 😊"

I'm neurodiverse so can't work out if he's feeling out what I'm going to say back or if he's trying to let me down gently and doesn't actually think it's a good idea. Don't people meet at work all the time?
Or should I just agree and suggest being friends?

I'm sceptical, but I bet he's still sleeping with the ex on and off and doesn't want her to find out about him potentially sleeping with other women.

Either way, I'd stay clear.

This is the correct answer.

He's swiped, then realised he knows you and you work together. He's trying to let you know that he doesn't want to involve himself with anyone he works with. He's letting you down gently, by saying 'you're cute'. It maybe he's not looking for a relationship, and is more interested in something far more casual. In which case, he's probably right, casual with someone you work with could be very awkward if things go wrong or someone wants more than the other person is prepared to give. I'd reply back 'Thanks 😁' and leave it at that.

"hmmm that's a pity as you're cute too."

Leave it at that and see if he suggests a date. If not no harm done, just a mild and brief flirtation.

Stay clear.
Don't mess where you eat is an excellent saying for good reason.

Unfortunately not. My wife died 14 years ago. We had 9 years together as a couple, 8 of them married. We have 3 girls, 15, 17 and 22. ( yes I know the maths!!). Because we knew she was dying (6 months) she created videos for me and the girls especially about them growing up. Our eldest really remembers mummy, middle child vaguely does, but the youngest doesn't. She just remembers her on video.
We were forced to work apart which we were okay with. so I moved companies as we wanted to make sure she got the maternity leave... but I moved to the company next door on the same business park. So we would have lunch together and our friends sometimes joined us from the old company. Our eldest also went to nursery on the same business park as well. So we would walk around to pick her up.

I'm so so sorry! Sounds like you both loved each other very much. Its rare to find like like that

Love*

This.

I think if he didn't have issues with work/dating mix he would have just gone for it. So the fact he has introduced uncertainty speaks volumes. So you probably now want to keep your dignity. So I agree with pp that replying to remove the awkwardness of it hanging there is the right thing to do, I would definitely say something like 'you're probably right!' or just a thumbs up.

Speaking from experience, dont date anyone from work!

I went with yea you're probably right let's just be friends.
Shame, he is gorgeous!

Update!!!
He's asked for my number!

I helped him with some worked and he said that I'd unmatched him before he could reply and asked for my number

Woohoo! Love it. Good luck OP hope all goes well.