Is he flirting or am I reading too much into it?

[SLJ161086]

Colleague and I (diff teams but sit near each other in the office days pre-wfh) started emailing a week ago to organise a birthday. Emails turned into back and forth chat, quite long lengthy emails laughing and joking - he makes my sides split with laughter every email. I'm sure he still has a gf, I am separated (although not sure how public knowledge it is). How can I know if he's actually flirting and it's okay to flirt back (because I do like him but would absolutely stop if I knew he wasn't single)? He compliments me in very fun cheeky ways, asks questions back and forth and puts a bit of innuendo into his emails. I just don't want to read too much into it!

I wouldn't flirt with a colleague at work. It can only cause you trouble.

@Iworry2021

I wouldn't flirt with a colleague at work. It can only cause you trouble.

True. Flirting between colleagues caused me and I am trouble.

@Iworry2021

I wouldn't flirt with a colleague at work. It can only cause you trouble.

Definitely....married mine....our little troublemaker is 6 now!

Been very happily married for 8 years! Doesn't always end in disaster! Although we stopped being colleagues long ago but that was nothing to do with our relationship!

OP, really you need to find out if he has a gf and if he doesn't and you are interested in him, take it from there!

How can you say I'm sure he still has a gf and then say (because I do like him but would absolutely stop if I knew he wasn't single)?

The very thought of getting with a colleague gives me the ick but it doesn't bother some.
It's quite easy to probe more about his personal life, ask what his plans are for the weekend, holidays etc see if he drops a gf into conversation. If he compliments you, give them back, keep it subtle though. If the chemistry is there and he's single then I'm sure he will pick up on it.

Erm he sounds delightful if he has a girlfriend ugh. You are an ego boost, probably no4 in a harem. Been there done that, shit.

Is this flirting and innuendo going on via your work emails? That’s really not a wise idea.

i think you're reading too much into this. plus he has a gf. i wouldn't be interested in someone that flirts with me that was already hooked up with someone else. just shows what kind of partner he really is.

Remember e-mails at work may be available to your employer.

You need to find out if he has a girlfriend. Next email he sends with an 'innuendo' in it, reply with, thats really funny, but pretty sure your girlfriend might not be too happy you implied that/wrote that to me.
And see what he comes back with.

Of course, if hes a grade A shit, he'll reply with I have no GF, even if he does. But thats up to you then to make the call on whether to flirt back, but at least you would be doing so under the impression he is single. You'll soon find out if hes a liar so take it cautiously anyway.
If he genuinely doesnt have a GF, you may end up in a fantastic relationship with him.

As long as he isn't sending those types of emails out to other colleagues of course!

@category12

How can you say I'm sure he still has a gf and then say (because I do like him but would absolutely stop if I knew he wasn't single)?

Agree with this, you’ve contradicted yourself.

Are these emails on your work accounts?!