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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

A guy I like at work told me he’s not interested and I’m so confused, am I deluding myself in not accepting that he just doesn’t like me?

219 replies

babushkaya · 10/05/2019 23:59

This is such a specific scenario, so please bear with me! I really like a guy I work with. He’s really shy and VERY introverted and after a couple of months of working there, I Slacked (workplace instant messaging) him asking him to come to work drinks with a big group of colleagues. He replied saying yes immediately and we spent all night chatting and we got on really well, the conversation was easy, light and definitely equally balanced (both engaged, making each other laugh, no one else just us two). The following week we did it all over again and we both got really drunk. The next day he sent me a private message saying ‘I don’t want to lead you on but I’m not looking for a relationship right now. It’s obvious you were hitting on me and I find you a bit too full on and it’s a turn off’ and 'I'm not used to girls like you, I'm sure there are guys that like it but it's not for me'. These are direct quotes. I was taken aback at first because I thought it was harsh but also because (this is going to sound so arrogant please don’t take this the wrong way, I’m really confused and hurt and being as honest as possible) I’m considered ‘out of his league’. Loads of guys at work have asked me out but I'm not interested in anyone but him. I was so shocked I didn't know how to react so I sort of responded to his messages by apologizing for my behaviour? This happened three months ago and I see him daily, he literally AVOIDS making eye contact with me, so much so that it has to be intentional, it’s actually more effort for him to not look at me than it being him naturally just not noticing me (we walk past each other alone in the corridor and he looks straight ahead as if I’m invisible). Yet in situations where we're forced into each other’s company, he laughs the loudest when I make a joke and he remembers details about my life that I told him before he rejected me (e.g. he mentioned to a colleague that I have a brother and he remembered the school I went to). I know I’m intimidating (confident and sure of myself, extroverted) and I’m not stupid- I know when a guy doesn’t like you to accept it for what it is BUT I can’t seem to get over this or let it go?? I’m so confused. A couple of people have mentioned that he might have social anxiety or be mildly autistic but I don’t want to use those as excuses! Why does this guy make so much effort to avoid me? We messaged each other yesterday (work related) and he was really friendly and fun but it was so confusing and hurtful to me I just didn’t reply after a while as I knew that as soon as I saw him again in the canteen or wherever he’d straight up ignore me again. Please help me, I’m going out of my mind! I get that he doesn't like me (a guy calling you a 'turn off' is pretty damning lol) BUT I can't stop myself trying to 'see' signs that he might (e.g. laughing at my jokes, remembering details about me). Where did I go wrong? He definitely showed interest at first (that much I am sure of) but now he can't even look at me? I feel foolish that I'm still obsessing over him.

OP posts:
Musti · 11/05/2019 00:03

I think you like him because he's hard to get. Forget him and find someone who is interested in you. What's the point if all this hard work for nothing?

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 11/05/2019 00:03

How old are you both?

Singlenotsingle · 11/05/2019 00:05

Maybe he's already spoken for?

babushkaya · 11/05/2019 00:06

late twenties, i realise i sound about 16!

OP posts:
OldAndWornOut · 11/05/2019 00:06

Its natural to covet what you can't easily get, I think.
Maybe he is shy? Perhaps you are too much for him, although he wasn't too shy to be quite upfront about that.
I would just play it very cool with him; don't allow hot and cold treatment.

babushkaya · 11/05/2019 00:06

deffo single x

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 11/05/2019 00:08

I think you should get your mate to ask his mate if he fancies you

babushkaya · 11/05/2019 00:08

To claw back some dignity I've completely backed off at work and only speak to him when I absolutely have to (work-related)

OP posts:
FaithInfinity · 11/05/2019 00:09

Take him at face value. For whatever reason, he’s told you he’s not interested. Give him space and keep it professional.

By the way, there’s really no such thing as ‘mild autism’. Simply that some people find it easier to mask than others.

hululu · 11/05/2019 00:10

I think you just like him cause he sounds like a challenge. He was pretty harsh in his comments so I would just move on.

GrandfatherClock · 11/05/2019 00:13

I suspect if you had gone out with him that you might have broken up by now! But him being hard to get is driving you wild!

Maybe he’s a virgin and is scared.

If you really want him, I would suggest backing right off. Create a void for him to move forwards into. It doesn’t matter how shy he is, he probably still wants to chase a woman. Give him the space to chase you. If you see him just smile and say hello.

If it were me I would message him and say “Sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I have a lot of respect for you and hope we can be friends”. Then let him initiate everything.

mimibunz · 11/05/2019 00:13

He sounds like a dick. He was exceptionally harsh. Don’t give him any more head space. I know it’s hard but he’s not worth it.

bluebell34567 · 11/05/2019 00:17

at the beginning he wasnt sure or aware that you were hitting on him so he was relaxed. he seems like he doesnt like girls hit on him or extrovert girls.

bluebell34567 · 11/05/2019 00:17

keep yourself away from him for now.

JuniFora · 11/05/2019 00:18

To send something so direct and harsh, he really wanted to get the point across. Did you get very touchy feely with him? His messages come across as if he felt harassed and needed to shut you down. He didn't want a repeat of whatever behaviour made him uncomfortable.

Spartak · 11/05/2019 00:19

I'd say he's avoiding you because he's either embarrassed by your advances or doesn't want to lead you on.

He doesn't fancy you, however out of his league he might be. This doesn't make him autistic or anything else, he's just not into you.

RacerBakk · 11/05/2019 00:21

He was harsh, didnt need to be quite so imo, but has given you a very clear message! I would respect it.

Whisky2014 · 11/05/2019 00:22

Move on..

Redglitter · 11/05/2019 00:25

I’m considered ‘out of his league

Hmm
AlunWynsKnee · 11/05/2019 00:28

He might like you as a colleague but not want to be in a relationship with a colleague. He might enjoy your company but not fancy you. There are all sorts of reasons why you can chat happily and still not want to be physically involved.
It's fine to have a laugh, share info and confidences and draw a line.

horizontalis · 11/05/2019 00:34

He's told you that he just isn't interested, and unfortuately that means you have to respect his decision.

frazzledasarock · 11/05/2019 00:36

Do you really want to beg a guy who’s told you he finds you a turn off to date you?

I’d back right off, be business like when you need to interact and only interact about work.

But then I prefer men who don’t play games and tell me if they’re interested.

This man has said he’s not interested in you. Accept it at face value and look for a man who is interested.

babushkaya · 11/05/2019 00:36

Thank you all for your views and suggestions. It helps to see them written by strangers, you're all saying what I already know but don't want to accept! I can't talk about it to my friends anymore because it's just like ffs I'm STILL banging on about it. I just need to get over it, I'm becoming obsessive!

OP posts:
BMW6 · 11/05/2019 00:36

Maybe he's gay. Or Asexual.

Whatever, you have to stop doing the Pick Me Dance. He's made it crystal clear that it ain't going anywhere, so you will have to find a way to let go of it.

BMW6 · 11/05/2019 00:38

Besides, you work in the same company so it should be a No-No anyway.

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