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How to respectfully flirt with an intern? [closed]
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I'm a project leader in a small (a few dozens employees) Spanish IT company.
In one of my projects there is a 22yo female intern (I'm a 29yo male) who I'd like to flirt with.
I noticed my attraction to her recently and I realised yesterday that since then I unconsciously started provoking a lot more interactions with her (teasing, useful work discussions, etc). I have a playful nature with everybody so I honestly think nobody noticed.
Also it looks like she enjoys this extra time I created so I guess she doesn't feel uncomfortable.
Now I'll try to spend time with her outside of work and see how she responds to that. Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2 weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun, although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
I'm posting here because I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something. And I don't want to see her uncomfortable if she turns me down nor do I want her not to turn me down just because of the remaining months until the end of her internship.
Each time I think about an approach, the whole high position/intern, male/female, 29yo/22yo situation comes back at me and I feel like I'm facing a time bomb.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
PS: Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.
PPS: My only concern is this situation taking place in work, where harassment, reputations and rumors do happen. I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
internship relationships
asked Aug 18 at 21:27
CruzM0
354
Controversial Post — You may use comments ONLY to suggest improvements. You may use answers ONLY to provide a solution to the specific question asked above. Moderators will remove debates, arguments or opinions without notice.
closed as too broad by gnat, Dukeling, OldPadawan, Michael Grubey, Mister Positive Aug 20 at 12:09
Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
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I'm a project leader in a small (a few dozens employees) Spanish IT company.
In one of my projects there is a 22yo female intern (I'm a 29yo male) who I'd like to flirt with.
I noticed my attraction to her recently and I realised yesterday that since then I unconsciously started provoking a lot more interactions with her (teasing, useful work discussions, etc). I have a playful nature with everybody so I honestly think nobody noticed.
Also it looks like she enjoys this extra time I created so I guess she doesn't feel uncomfortable.
Now I'll try to spend time with her outside of work and see how she responds to that. Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2 weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun, although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
I'm posting here because I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something. And I don't want to see her uncomfortable if she turns me down nor do I want her not to turn me down just because of the remaining months until the end of her internship.
Each time I think about an approach, the whole high position/intern, male/female, 29yo/22yo situation comes back at me and I feel like I'm facing a time bomb.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
PS: Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.
PPS: My only concern is this situation taking place in work, where harassment, reputations and rumors do happen. I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
internship relationships
asked Aug 18 at 21:27
CruzM0
354
Controversial Post — You may use comments ONLY to suggest improvements. You may use answers ONLY to provide a solution to the specific question asked above. Moderators will remove debates, arguments or opinions without notice.
closed as too broad by gnat, Dukeling, OldPadawan, Michael Grubey, Mister Positive Aug 20 at 12:09
Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
4
This question seems to be attracting downvotes, but it appears to be a totally valid question. Just because you think the answer is "don't" doesn't mean the question should be downvoted.
– Erik
Aug 19 at 10:15
7
"Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.". Yes it is. Unless someone has your family hostage and will kill them unless you flirt, exercising self control is always an option.
– DJClayworth
Aug 19 at 19:53
@DJClayworth She is leaving the country for 3 years after this internship. I think that if she's interested this could be a serious thing, thus possibly leading to following her there in the future. I can't do that if I don't even know what she's feeling or worse, if she doesn't feel anything. Thus I need to know, so I have to do something. I think I'll step back from the common projects so if she turns me down, her potential uncomfort would be limited as we won't have any reason to see each other during the day, and if she doesn't then I'll talk to HR.
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 20:28
This does look like chasing after a woman, with the job being the complication. Your goal seems to be to have a relationship with the intern, and you mention many issues with the job. You don't seem to grasp that there is likely no way to keep this comfortable for her as long as you're at the company, and exploring the possibility will very likely make her uncomfortable.
– David Thornley
Aug 20 at 18:24
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
I'm a project leader in a small (a few dozens employees) Spanish IT company.
In one of my projects there is a 22yo female intern (I'm a 29yo male) who I'd like to flirt with.
I noticed my attraction to her recently and I realised yesterday that since then I unconsciously started provoking a lot more interactions with her (teasing, useful work discussions, etc). I have a playful nature with everybody so I honestly think nobody noticed.
Also it looks like she enjoys this extra time I created so I guess she doesn't feel uncomfortable.
Now I'll try to spend time with her outside of work and see how she responds to that. Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2 weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun, although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
I'm posting here because I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something. And I don't want to see her uncomfortable if she turns me down nor do I want her not to turn me down just because of the remaining months until the end of her internship.
Each time I think about an approach, the whole high position/intern, male/female, 29yo/22yo situation comes back at me and I feel like I'm facing a time bomb.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
PS: Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.
PPS: My only concern is this situation taking place in work, where harassment, reputations and rumors do happen. I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
internship relationships
asked Aug 18 at 21:27
CruzM0
354
I'm a project leader in a small (a few dozens employees) Spanish IT company.
In one of my projects there is a 22yo female intern (I'm a 29yo male) who I'd like to flirt with.
I noticed my attraction to her recently and I realised yesterday that since then I unconsciously started provoking a lot more interactions with her (teasing, useful work discussions, etc). I have a playful nature with everybody so I honestly think nobody noticed.
Also it looks like she enjoys this extra time I created so I guess she doesn't feel uncomfortable.
Now I'll try to spend time with her outside of work and see how she responds to that. Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2 weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun, although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
I'm posting here because I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something. And I don't want to see her uncomfortable if she turns me down nor do I want her not to turn me down just because of the remaining months until the end of her internship.
Each time I think about an approach, the whole high position/intern, male/female, 29yo/22yo situation comes back at me and I feel like I'm facing a time bomb.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
PS: Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.
PPS: My only concern is this situation taking place in work, where harassment, reputations and rumors do happen. I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
internship relationships
asked Aug 18 at 21:27
CruzM0
354
asked Aug 18 at 21:27
CruzM0
354
asked Aug 18 at 21:27
CruzM0
354
asked Aug 18 at 21:27
CruzM0
354
354
Controversial Post — You may use comments ONLY to suggest improvements. You may use answers ONLY to provide a solution to the specific question asked above. Moderators will remove debates, arguments or opinions without notice.
Controversial Post — You may use comments ONLY to suggest improvements. You may use answers ONLY to provide a solution to the specific question asked above. Moderators will remove debates, arguments or opinions without notice.
closed as too broad by gnat, Dukeling, OldPadawan, Michael Grubey, Mister Positive Aug 20 at 12:09
Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as too broad by gnat, Dukeling, OldPadawan, Michael Grubey, Mister Positive Aug 20 at 12:09
Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
4
This question seems to be attracting downvotes, but it appears to be a totally valid question. Just because you think the answer is "don't" doesn't mean the question should be downvoted.
– Erik
Aug 19 at 10:15
7
"Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.". Yes it is. Unless someone has your family hostage and will kill them unless you flirt, exercising self control is always an option.
– DJClayworth
Aug 19 at 19:53
@DJClayworth She is leaving the country for 3 years after this internship. I think that if she's interested this could be a serious thing, thus possibly leading to following her there in the future. I can't do that if I don't even know what she's feeling or worse, if she doesn't feel anything. Thus I need to know, so I have to do something. I think I'll step back from the common projects so if she turns me down, her potential uncomfort would be limited as we won't have any reason to see each other during the day, and if she doesn't then I'll talk to HR.
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 20:28
This does look like chasing after a woman, with the job being the complication. Your goal seems to be to have a relationship with the intern, and you mention many issues with the job. You don't seem to grasp that there is likely no way to keep this comfortable for her as long as you're at the company, and exploring the possibility will very likely make her uncomfortable.
– David Thornley
Aug 20 at 18:24
add a comment |Â
4
This question seems to be attracting downvotes, but it appears to be a totally valid question. Just because you think the answer is "don't" doesn't mean the question should be downvoted.
– Erik
Aug 19 at 10:15
7
"Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.". Yes it is. Unless someone has your family hostage and will kill them unless you flirt, exercising self control is always an option.
– DJClayworth
Aug 19 at 19:53
@DJClayworth She is leaving the country for 3 years after this internship. I think that if she's interested this could be a serious thing, thus possibly leading to following her there in the future. I can't do that if I don't even know what she's feeling or worse, if she doesn't feel anything. Thus I need to know, so I have to do something. I think I'll step back from the common projects so if she turns me down, her potential uncomfort would be limited as we won't have any reason to see each other during the day, and if she doesn't then I'll talk to HR.
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 20:28
This does look like chasing after a woman, with the job being the complication. Your goal seems to be to have a relationship with the intern, and you mention many issues with the job. You don't seem to grasp that there is likely no way to keep this comfortable for her as long as you're at the company, and exploring the possibility will very likely make her uncomfortable.
– David Thornley
Aug 20 at 18:24
4
4
This question seems to be attracting downvotes, but it appears to be a totally valid question. Just because you think the answer is "don't" doesn't mean the question should be downvoted.
– Erik
Aug 19 at 10:15
This question seems to be attracting downvotes, but it appears to be a totally valid question. Just because you think the answer is "don't" doesn't mean the question should be downvoted.
– Erik
Aug 19 at 10:15
7
7
"Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.". Yes it is. Unless someone has your family hostage and will kill them unless you flirt, exercising self control is always an option.
– DJClayworth
Aug 19 at 19:53
"Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.". Yes it is. Unless someone has your family hostage and will kill them unless you flirt, exercising self control is always an option.
– DJClayworth
Aug 19 at 19:53
@DJClayworth She is leaving the country for 3 years after this internship. I think that if she's interested this could be a serious thing, thus possibly leading to following her there in the future. I can't do that if I don't even know what she's feeling or worse, if she doesn't feel anything. Thus I need to know, so I have to do something. I think I'll step back from the common projects so if she turns me down, her potential uncomfort would be limited as we won't have any reason to see each other during the day, and if she doesn't then I'll talk to HR.
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 20:28
@DJClayworth She is leaving the country for 3 years after this internship. I think that if she's interested this could be a serious thing, thus possibly leading to following her there in the future. I can't do that if I don't even know what she's feeling or worse, if she doesn't feel anything. Thus I need to know, so I have to do something. I think I'll step back from the common projects so if she turns me down, her potential uncomfort would be limited as we won't have any reason to see each other during the day, and if she doesn't then I'll talk to HR.
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 20:28
This does look like chasing after a woman, with the job being the complication. Your goal seems to be to have a relationship with the intern, and you mention many issues with the job. You don't seem to grasp that there is likely no way to keep this comfortable for her as long as you're at the company, and exploring the possibility will very likely make her uncomfortable.
– David Thornley
Aug 20 at 18:24
This does look like chasing after a woman, with the job being the complication. Your goal seems to be to have a relationship with the intern, and you mention many issues with the job. You don't seem to grasp that there is likely no way to keep this comfortable for her as long as you're at the company, and exploring the possibility will very likely make her uncomfortable.
– David Thornley
Aug 20 at 18:24
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
I think this is a very dangerous situation, and you are gravely underestimating it (google #metoo...).
Many large companies would give you a formal warning just for what you are doing already, and might terminate you with a very black mark if you continue. Abusing your position with an employee (or intern) is considered inacceptable, and as you are her manager, flirting is very near to abusing; you are putting her under a lot of pressure.
Maybe she likes you too, and everything could be fine between you. Then you are still in potential difficulties, as colleagues could complain about you prefering her over better qualified people, and giving her the most interesting work, etc. Most manager level trainings instill that you must avoid even the impression this could be happening at all cost - it does not matter that you maybe never 'preferred' her, just allowing people to think so is damaging the team, and your image and career.
Or, much worse, she is not interested. What should she do? Play along, and maybe even date with you, or have sex with you, in the hope to keep the job, or get a permanent position? Or tell you no, and lose her job and all chances? You cannot know that she really likes you as long as you are in a position of power in her life.
Seriously, the only clean way out is to either forget it completely, or - if you think you can't - talk tou your manager or HR, tell them that you have a romantic interest, and ask for her or you to be reassigned (if you are not willing to do that, you are not serious about her anyway, so forget her). Once you are not her manager, you can see if she is still interested (happy couples sometimes come from that).
answered Aug 18 at 22:19
Aganju
72627
3
Thank you for your thoughtful answer Maybe I wasn't clear, each of us have several projects and we have one project in common. Also I'm not her manager in any way so I can't give her a job (she's going to study in a distant country after the internship anyway so she doesn't want to stay here & she actually often repeats it to our bosses who already offered her a permanent position) and I can't give her interesting work. I'm leaning toward leaving the common project for now. And knowing happy couples come from that is actually why I want to try, as close friends of mine met as intern/manager
– CruzM0
Aug 18 at 22:38
1
@CruzM0 , sorry I might have gone a bit overboard, because of recent bad experiences. Rereading your question, I see that it doesn't fully apply to your situation. Consider it a related information.
– Aganju
Aug 18 at 23:42
2
If this intern is under your project it would be inappropriate to flirt with this intern. It would also is inappropriate to transfer the intern to another project. Feel free to move off any project she is involved with though.
– Ramhound
Aug 19 at 17:14
@Aganju don't be sorry, I get your points and see how they can apply to my particular situation
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 18:13
She may not be below you, you might have no direct control over her, but what happens if you get together and it all turns sour? Who is the company going to get rid off? Men stick together who is going to be affected if you get really angry at her rejecting you, and she has no way of knowing how you may react, especially if you live in a place with almost zero employment laws (like large amounts of the USA).
– WendyG
Aug 20 at 10:32
add a comment |Â
up vote
35
down vote
I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if
something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
You don't really care about this job, but the target of your affections might. Consider the position you could be putting her in.
You should find another job now, hand in your notice and leave this one.
Then you can flirt all you wish with the intern where you used to work.
answered Aug 18 at 21:40
Joe Strazzere
224k107662931
3
Best solution, I know a guy did this and married the girl eventually
– Kilisi
Aug 18 at 21:42
1
Keep biz and pleasure separate. Survival 101.
– Mister Positive
Aug 20 at 12:13
add a comment |Â
up vote
18
down vote
I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something.
As a project lead you do not flirt with an intern while he/she is an intern.
If you two get along well so much that it would be more than an affair, then you should be able to keep that off until the internship is finished and you exchange phone numbers in a "if you would like to stay in touch" way.
answered Aug 19 at 9:26
Sascha
6,19321231
add a comment |Â
up vote
-5
down vote
Many years ago, a colleague found a tactful way to find out if I were open to office romance in general. I found a newspaper on my desk open to the personal ads, with one of them highlighted.
If I had been open to office romance, I could have responded to the ad, through the newspaper's system for forwarding responses, and found out who it was. I was not interested, so I just ignored it.
The 21st century version might be to create an account on a dating web site, and leave a note of the web site URL and your account name (not related to your real name), on her desk.
Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2
weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun,
although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
Please be very careful during that weekend to keep your interactions with the intern to a minimum, and strictly professional. It is going to be hard for her to avoid you or get help in dealing with you, especially if you are one of the most senior present. Who should she turn to during the weekend to say "CruzM0 is making me feel uncomfortable. Please get him to be more professional."?
answered Aug 19 at 0:57
Patricia Shanahan
16.3k53256
4
This is okay between peers or with people in separate parts of the organization, however when one person has a position of authority or influence with respect to the other person it is not okay to express a romantic or sexual interest.
– Ben Mz
Aug 19 at 1:40
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
I think this is a very dangerous situation, and you are gravely underestimating it (google #metoo...).
Many large companies would give you a formal warning just for what you are doing already, and might terminate you with a very black mark if you continue. Abusing your position with an employee (or intern) is considered inacceptable, and as you are her manager, flirting is very near to abusing; you are putting her under a lot of pressure.
Maybe she likes you too, and everything could be fine between you. Then you are still in potential difficulties, as colleagues could complain about you prefering her over better qualified people, and giving her the most interesting work, etc. Most manager level trainings instill that you must avoid even the impression this could be happening at all cost - it does not matter that you maybe never 'preferred' her, just allowing people to think so is damaging the team, and your image and career.
Or, much worse, she is not interested. What should she do? Play along, and maybe even date with you, or have sex with you, in the hope to keep the job, or get a permanent position? Or tell you no, and lose her job and all chances? You cannot know that she really likes you as long as you are in a position of power in her life.
Seriously, the only clean way out is to either forget it completely, or - if you think you can't - talk tou your manager or HR, tell them that you have a romantic interest, and ask for her or you to be reassigned (if you are not willing to do that, you are not serious about her anyway, so forget her). Once you are not her manager, you can see if she is still interested (happy couples sometimes come from that).
answered Aug 18 at 22:19
Aganju
72627
3
Thank you for your thoughtful answer Maybe I wasn't clear, each of us have several projects and we have one project in common. Also I'm not her manager in any way so I can't give her a job (she's going to study in a distant country after the internship anyway so she doesn't want to stay here & she actually often repeats it to our bosses who already offered her a permanent position) and I can't give her interesting work. I'm leaning toward leaving the common project for now. And knowing happy couples come from that is actually why I want to try, as close friends of mine met as intern/manager
– CruzM0
Aug 18 at 22:38
1
@CruzM0 , sorry I might have gone a bit overboard, because of recent bad experiences. Rereading your question, I see that it doesn't fully apply to your situation. Consider it a related information.
– Aganju
Aug 18 at 23:42
2
If this intern is under your project it would be inappropriate to flirt with this intern. It would also is inappropriate to transfer the intern to another project. Feel free to move off any project she is involved with though.
– Ramhound
Aug 19 at 17:14
@Aganju don't be sorry, I get your points and see how they can apply to my particular situation
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 18:13
She may not be below you, you might have no direct control over her, but what happens if you get together and it all turns sour? Who is the company going to get rid off? Men stick together who is going to be affected if you get really angry at her rejecting you, and she has no way of knowing how you may react, especially if you live in a place with almost zero employment laws (like large amounts of the USA).
– WendyG
Aug 20 at 10:32
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
I think this is a very dangerous situation, and you are gravely underestimating it (google #metoo...).
Many large companies would give you a formal warning just for what you are doing already, and might terminate you with a very black mark if you continue. Abusing your position with an employee (or intern) is considered inacceptable, and as you are her manager, flirting is very near to abusing; you are putting her under a lot of pressure.
Maybe she likes you too, and everything could be fine between you. Then you are still in potential difficulties, as colleagues could complain about you prefering her over better qualified people, and giving her the most interesting work, etc. Most manager level trainings instill that you must avoid even the impression this could be happening at all cost - it does not matter that you maybe never 'preferred' her, just allowing people to think so is damaging the team, and your image and career.
Or, much worse, she is not interested. What should she do? Play along, and maybe even date with you, or have sex with you, in the hope to keep the job, or get a permanent position? Or tell you no, and lose her job and all chances? You cannot know that she really likes you as long as you are in a position of power in her life.
Seriously, the only clean way out is to either forget it completely, or - if you think you can't - talk tou your manager or HR, tell them that you have a romantic interest, and ask for her or you to be reassigned (if you are not willing to do that, you are not serious about her anyway, so forget her). Once you are not her manager, you can see if she is still interested (happy couples sometimes come from that).
answered Aug 18 at 22:19
Aganju
72627
3
Thank you for your thoughtful answer Maybe I wasn't clear, each of us have several projects and we have one project in common. Also I'm not her manager in any way so I can't give her a job (she's going to study in a distant country after the internship anyway so she doesn't want to stay here & she actually often repeats it to our bosses who already offered her a permanent position) and I can't give her interesting work. I'm leaning toward leaving the common project for now. And knowing happy couples come from that is actually why I want to try, as close friends of mine met as intern/manager
– CruzM0
Aug 18 at 22:38
1
@CruzM0 , sorry I might have gone a bit overboard, because of recent bad experiences. Rereading your question, I see that it doesn't fully apply to your situation. Consider it a related information.
– Aganju
Aug 18 at 23:42
2
If this intern is under your project it would be inappropriate to flirt with this intern. It would also is inappropriate to transfer the intern to another project. Feel free to move off any project she is involved with though.
– Ramhound
Aug 19 at 17:14
@Aganju don't be sorry, I get your points and see how they can apply to my particular situation
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 18:13
She may not be below you, you might have no direct control over her, but what happens if you get together and it all turns sour? Who is the company going to get rid off? Men stick together who is going to be affected if you get really angry at her rejecting you, and she has no way of knowing how you may react, especially if you live in a place with almost zero employment laws (like large amounts of the USA).
– WendyG
Aug 20 at 10:32
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
up vote
13
down vote
accepted
I think this is a very dangerous situation, and you are gravely underestimating it (google #metoo...).
Many large companies would give you a formal warning just for what you are doing already, and might terminate you with a very black mark if you continue. Abusing your position with an employee (or intern) is considered inacceptable, and as you are her manager, flirting is very near to abusing; you are putting her under a lot of pressure.
Maybe she likes you too, and everything could be fine between you. Then you are still in potential difficulties, as colleagues could complain about you prefering her over better qualified people, and giving her the most interesting work, etc. Most manager level trainings instill that you must avoid even the impression this could be happening at all cost - it does not matter that you maybe never 'preferred' her, just allowing people to think so is damaging the team, and your image and career.
Or, much worse, she is not interested. What should she do? Play along, and maybe even date with you, or have sex with you, in the hope to keep the job, or get a permanent position? Or tell you no, and lose her job and all chances? You cannot know that she really likes you as long as you are in a position of power in her life.
Seriously, the only clean way out is to either forget it completely, or - if you think you can't - talk tou your manager or HR, tell them that you have a romantic interest, and ask for her or you to be reassigned (if you are not willing to do that, you are not serious about her anyway, so forget her). Once you are not her manager, you can see if she is still interested (happy couples sometimes come from that).
answered Aug 18 at 22:19
Aganju
72627
I think this is a very dangerous situation, and you are gravely underestimating it (google #metoo...).
Many large companies would give you a formal warning just for what you are doing already, and might terminate you with a very black mark if you continue. Abusing your position with an employee (or intern) is considered inacceptable, and as you are her manager, flirting is very near to abusing; you are putting her under a lot of pressure.
Maybe she likes you too, and everything could be fine between you. Then you are still in potential difficulties, as colleagues could complain about you prefering her over better qualified people, and giving her the most interesting work, etc. Most manager level trainings instill that you must avoid even the impression this could be happening at all cost - it does not matter that you maybe never 'preferred' her, just allowing people to think so is damaging the team, and your image and career.
Or, much worse, she is not interested. What should she do? Play along, and maybe even date with you, or have sex with you, in the hope to keep the job, or get a permanent position? Or tell you no, and lose her job and all chances? You cannot know that she really likes you as long as you are in a position of power in her life.
Seriously, the only clean way out is to either forget it completely, or - if you think you can't - talk tou your manager or HR, tell them that you have a romantic interest, and ask for her or you to be reassigned (if you are not willing to do that, you are not serious about her anyway, so forget her). Once you are not her manager, you can see if she is still interested (happy couples sometimes come from that).
answered Aug 18 at 22:19
Aganju
72627
answered Aug 18 at 22:19
Aganju
72627
answered Aug 18 at 22:19
Aganju
72627
answered Aug 18 at 22:19
Aganju
72627
72627
3
Thank you for your thoughtful answer Maybe I wasn't clear, each of us have several projects and we have one project in common. Also I'm not her manager in any way so I can't give her a job (she's going to study in a distant country after the internship anyway so she doesn't want to stay here & she actually often repeats it to our bosses who already offered her a permanent position) and I can't give her interesting work. I'm leaning toward leaving the common project for now. And knowing happy couples come from that is actually why I want to try, as close friends of mine met as intern/manager
– CruzM0
Aug 18 at 22:38
1
@CruzM0 , sorry I might have gone a bit overboard, because of recent bad experiences. Rereading your question, I see that it doesn't fully apply to your situation. Consider it a related information.
– Aganju
Aug 18 at 23:42
2
If this intern is under your project it would be inappropriate to flirt with this intern. It would also is inappropriate to transfer the intern to another project. Feel free to move off any project she is involved with though.
– Ramhound
Aug 19 at 17:14
@Aganju don't be sorry, I get your points and see how they can apply to my particular situation
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 18:13
She may not be below you, you might have no direct control over her, but what happens if you get together and it all turns sour? Who is the company going to get rid off? Men stick together who is going to be affected if you get really angry at her rejecting you, and she has no way of knowing how you may react, especially if you live in a place with almost zero employment laws (like large amounts of the USA).
– WendyG
Aug 20 at 10:32
add a comment |Â
3
Thank you for your thoughtful answer Maybe I wasn't clear, each of us have several projects and we have one project in common. Also I'm not her manager in any way so I can't give her a job (she's going to study in a distant country after the internship anyway so she doesn't want to stay here & she actually often repeats it to our bosses who already offered her a permanent position) and I can't give her interesting work. I'm leaning toward leaving the common project for now. And knowing happy couples come from that is actually why I want to try, as close friends of mine met as intern/manager
– CruzM0
Aug 18 at 22:38
1
@CruzM0 , sorry I might have gone a bit overboard, because of recent bad experiences. Rereading your question, I see that it doesn't fully apply to your situation. Consider it a related information.
– Aganju
Aug 18 at 23:42
2
If this intern is under your project it would be inappropriate to flirt with this intern. It would also is inappropriate to transfer the intern to another project. Feel free to move off any project she is involved with though.
– Ramhound
Aug 19 at 17:14
@Aganju don't be sorry, I get your points and see how they can apply to my particular situation
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 18:13
She may not be below you, you might have no direct control over her, but what happens if you get together and it all turns sour? Who is the company going to get rid off? Men stick together who is going to be affected if you get really angry at her rejecting you, and she has no way of knowing how you may react, especially if you live in a place with almost zero employment laws (like large amounts of the USA).
– WendyG
Aug 20 at 10:32
3
3
Thank you for your thoughtful answer Maybe I wasn't clear, each of us have several projects and we have one project in common. Also I'm not her manager in any way so I can't give her a job (she's going to study in a distant country after the internship anyway so she doesn't want to stay here & she actually often repeats it to our bosses who already offered her a permanent position) and I can't give her interesting work. I'm leaning toward leaving the common project for now. And knowing happy couples come from that is actually why I want to try, as close friends of mine met as intern/manager
– CruzM0
Aug 18 at 22:38
Thank you for your thoughtful answer Maybe I wasn't clear, each of us have several projects and we have one project in common. Also I'm not her manager in any way so I can't give her a job (she's going to study in a distant country after the internship anyway so she doesn't want to stay here & she actually often repeats it to our bosses who already offered her a permanent position) and I can't give her interesting work. I'm leaning toward leaving the common project for now. And knowing happy couples come from that is actually why I want to try, as close friends of mine met as intern/manager
– CruzM0
Aug 18 at 22:38
1
1
@CruzM0 , sorry I might have gone a bit overboard, because of recent bad experiences. Rereading your question, I see that it doesn't fully apply to your situation. Consider it a related information.
– Aganju
Aug 18 at 23:42
@CruzM0 , sorry I might have gone a bit overboard, because of recent bad experiences. Rereading your question, I see that it doesn't fully apply to your situation. Consider it a related information.
– Aganju
Aug 18 at 23:42
2
2
If this intern is under your project it would be inappropriate to flirt with this intern. It would also is inappropriate to transfer the intern to another project. Feel free to move off any project she is involved with though.
– Ramhound
Aug 19 at 17:14
If this intern is under your project it would be inappropriate to flirt with this intern. It would also is inappropriate to transfer the intern to another project. Feel free to move off any project she is involved with though.
– Ramhound
Aug 19 at 17:14
@Aganju don't be sorry, I get your points and see how they can apply to my particular situation
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 18:13
@Aganju don't be sorry, I get your points and see how they can apply to my particular situation
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 18:13
She may not be below you, you might have no direct control over her, but what happens if you get together and it all turns sour? Who is the company going to get rid off? Men stick together who is going to be affected if you get really angry at her rejecting you, and she has no way of knowing how you may react, especially if you live in a place with almost zero employment laws (like large amounts of the USA).
– WendyG
Aug 20 at 10:32
She may not be below you, you might have no direct control over her, but what happens if you get together and it all turns sour? Who is the company going to get rid off? Men stick together who is going to be affected if you get really angry at her rejecting you, and she has no way of knowing how you may react, especially if you live in a place with almost zero employment laws (like large amounts of the USA).
– WendyG
Aug 20 at 10:32
add a comment |Â
up vote
35
down vote
I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if
something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
You don't really care about this job, but the target of your affections might. Consider the position you could be putting her in.
You should find another job now, hand in your notice and leave this one.
Then you can flirt all you wish with the intern where you used to work.
answered Aug 18 at 21:40
Joe Strazzere
224k107662931
3
Best solution, I know a guy did this and married the girl eventually
– Kilisi
Aug 18 at 21:42
1
Keep biz and pleasure separate. Survival 101.
– Mister Positive
Aug 20 at 12:13
add a comment |Â
up vote
35
down vote
I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if
something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
You don't really care about this job, but the target of your affections might. Consider the position you could be putting her in.
You should find another job now, hand in your notice and leave this one.
Then you can flirt all you wish with the intern where you used to work.
answered Aug 18 at 21:40
Joe Strazzere
224k107662931
3
Best solution, I know a guy did this and married the girl eventually
– Kilisi
Aug 18 at 21:42
1
Keep biz and pleasure separate. Survival 101.
– Mister Positive
Aug 20 at 12:13
add a comment |Â
up vote
35
down vote
up vote
35
down vote
I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if
something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
You don't really care about this job, but the target of your affections might. Consider the position you could be putting her in.
You should find another job now, hand in your notice and leave this one.
Then you can flirt all you wish with the intern where you used to work.
answered Aug 18 at 21:40
Joe Strazzere
224k107662931
I don't really care about this job, I know I would find another one if
something bad happens there, my concern is focused on her.
You don't really care about this job, but the target of your affections might. Consider the position you could be putting her in.
You should find another job now, hand in your notice and leave this one.
Then you can flirt all you wish with the intern where you used to work.
answered Aug 18 at 21:40
Joe Strazzere
224k107662931
edited Aug 18 at 22:01
answered Aug 18 at 21:40
Joe Strazzere
224k107662931
answered Aug 18 at 21:40
Joe Strazzere
224k107662931
answered Aug 18 at 21:40
Joe Strazzere
224k107662931
224k107662931
3
Best solution, I know a guy did this and married the girl eventually
– Kilisi
Aug 18 at 21:42
1
Keep biz and pleasure separate. Survival 101.
– Mister Positive
Aug 20 at 12:13
add a comment |Â
3
Best solution, I know a guy did this and married the girl eventually
– Kilisi
Aug 18 at 21:42
1
Keep biz and pleasure separate. Survival 101.
– Mister Positive
Aug 20 at 12:13
3
3
Best solution, I know a guy did this and married the girl eventually
– Kilisi
Aug 18 at 21:42
Best solution, I know a guy did this and married the girl eventually
– Kilisi
Aug 18 at 21:42
1
1
Keep biz and pleasure separate. Survival 101.
– Mister Positive
Aug 20 at 12:13
Keep biz and pleasure separate. Survival 101.
– Mister Positive
Aug 20 at 12:13
add a comment |Â
up vote
18
down vote
I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something.
As a project lead you do not flirt with an intern while he/she is an intern.
If you two get along well so much that it would be more than an affair, then you should be able to keep that off until the internship is finished and you exchange phone numbers in a "if you would like to stay in touch" way.
answered Aug 19 at 9:26
Sascha
6,19321231
add a comment |Â
up vote
18
down vote
I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something.
As a project lead you do not flirt with an intern while he/she is an intern.
If you two get along well so much that it would be more than an affair, then you should be able to keep that off until the internship is finished and you exchange phone numbers in a "if you would like to stay in touch" way.
answered Aug 19 at 9:26
Sascha
6,19321231
add a comment |Â
up vote
18
down vote
up vote
18
down vote
I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something.
As a project lead you do not flirt with an intern while he/she is an intern.
If you two get along well so much that it would be more than an affair, then you should be able to keep that off until the internship is finished and you exchange phone numbers in a "if you would like to stay in touch" way.
answered Aug 19 at 9:26
Sascha
6,19321231
I don't know how to address this situation. I absolutely don't want to scare her off, to make her feel uncomfortable, trapped, threatened, or to make her think I'm trying to use my position to make her do something.
As a project lead you do not flirt with an intern while he/she is an intern.
If you two get along well so much that it would be more than an affair, then you should be able to keep that off until the internship is finished and you exchange phone numbers in a "if you would like to stay in touch" way.
answered Aug 19 at 9:26
Sascha
6,19321231
answered Aug 19 at 9:26
Sascha
6,19321231
answered Aug 19 at 9:26
Sascha
6,19321231
answered Aug 19 at 9:26
Sascha
6,19321231
6,19321231
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
-5
down vote
Many years ago, a colleague found a tactful way to find out if I were open to office romance in general. I found a newspaper on my desk open to the personal ads, with one of them highlighted.
If I had been open to office romance, I could have responded to the ad, through the newspaper's system for forwarding responses, and found out who it was. I was not interested, so I just ignored it.
The 21st century version might be to create an account on a dating web site, and leave a note of the web site URL and your account name (not related to your real name), on her desk.
Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2
weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun,
although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
Please be very careful during that weekend to keep your interactions with the intern to a minimum, and strictly professional. It is going to be hard for her to avoid you or get help in dealing with you, especially if you are one of the most senior present. Who should she turn to during the weekend to say "CruzM0 is making me feel uncomfortable. Please get him to be more professional."?
answered Aug 19 at 0:57
Patricia Shanahan
16.3k53256
4
This is okay between peers or with people in separate parts of the organization, however when one person has a position of authority or influence with respect to the other person it is not okay to express a romantic or sexual interest.
– Ben Mz
Aug 19 at 1:40
add a comment |Â
up vote
-5
down vote
Many years ago, a colleague found a tactful way to find out if I were open to office romance in general. I found a newspaper on my desk open to the personal ads, with one of them highlighted.
If I had been open to office romance, I could have responded to the ad, through the newspaper's system for forwarding responses, and found out who it was. I was not interested, so I just ignored it.
The 21st century version might be to create an account on a dating web site, and leave a note of the web site URL and your account name (not related to your real name), on her desk.
Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2
weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun,
although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
Please be very careful during that weekend to keep your interactions with the intern to a minimum, and strictly professional. It is going to be hard for her to avoid you or get help in dealing with you, especially if you are one of the most senior present. Who should she turn to during the weekend to say "CruzM0 is making me feel uncomfortable. Please get him to be more professional."?
answered Aug 19 at 0:57
Patricia Shanahan
16.3k53256
4
This is okay between peers or with people in separate parts of the organization, however when one person has a position of authority or influence with respect to the other person it is not okay to express a romantic or sexual interest.
– Ben Mz
Aug 19 at 1:40
add a comment |Â
up vote
-5
down vote
up vote
-5
down vote
Many years ago, a colleague found a tactful way to find out if I were open to office romance in general. I found a newspaper on my desk open to the personal ads, with one of them highlighted.
If I had been open to office romance, I could have responded to the ad, through the newspaper's system for forwarding responses, and found out who it was. I was not interested, so I just ignored it.
The 21st century version might be to create an account on a dating web site, and leave a note of the web site URL and your account name (not related to your real name), on her desk.
Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2
weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun,
although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
Please be very careful during that weekend to keep your interactions with the intern to a minimum, and strictly professional. It is going to be hard for her to avoid you or get help in dealing with you, especially if you are one of the most senior present. Who should she turn to during the weekend to say "CruzM0 is making me feel uncomfortable. Please get him to be more professional."?
answered Aug 19 at 0:57
Patricia Shanahan
16.3k53256
Many years ago, a colleague found a tactful way to find out if I were open to office romance in general. I found a newspaper on my desk open to the personal ads, with one of them highlighted.
If I had been open to office romance, I could have responded to the ad, through the newspaper's system for forwarding responses, and found out who it was. I was not interested, so I just ignored it.
The 21st century version might be to create an account on a dating web site, and leave a note of the web site URL and your account name (not related to your real name), on her desk.
Also our company organized a week-end with all the employees in 2
weeks and none of the bosses will be there so it should be kinda fun,
although I'd then be one of the employees with the highest position.
Please be very careful during that weekend to keep your interactions with the intern to a minimum, and strictly professional. It is going to be hard for her to avoid you or get help in dealing with you, especially if you are one of the most senior present. Who should she turn to during the weekend to say "CruzM0 is making me feel uncomfortable. Please get him to be more professional."?
answered Aug 19 at 0:57
Patricia Shanahan
16.3k53256
answered Aug 19 at 0:57
Patricia Shanahan
16.3k53256
answered Aug 19 at 0:57
Patricia Shanahan
16.3k53256
answered Aug 19 at 0:57
Patricia Shanahan
16.3k53256
16.3k53256
4
This is okay between peers or with people in separate parts of the organization, however when one person has a position of authority or influence with respect to the other person it is not okay to express a romantic or sexual interest.
– Ben Mz
Aug 19 at 1:40
add a comment |Â
4
This is okay between peers or with people in separate parts of the organization, however when one person has a position of authority or influence with respect to the other person it is not okay to express a romantic or sexual interest.
– Ben Mz
Aug 19 at 1:40
4
4
This is okay between peers or with people in separate parts of the organization, however when one person has a position of authority or influence with respect to the other person it is not okay to express a romantic or sexual interest.
– Ben Mz
Aug 19 at 1:40
This is okay between peers or with people in separate parts of the organization, however when one person has a position of authority or influence with respect to the other person it is not okay to express a romantic or sexual interest.
– Ben Mz
Aug 19 at 1:40
add a comment |Â
4
This question seems to be attracting downvotes, but it appears to be a totally valid question. Just because you think the answer is "don't" doesn't mean the question should be downvoted.
– Erik
Aug 19 at 10:15
7
"Not doing anything in the upcoming days/weeks is not an option.". Yes it is. Unless someone has your family hostage and will kill them unless you flirt, exercising self control is always an option.
– DJClayworth
Aug 19 at 19:53
@DJClayworth She is leaving the country for 3 years after this internship. I think that if she's interested this could be a serious thing, thus possibly leading to following her there in the future. I can't do that if I don't even know what she's feeling or worse, if she doesn't feel anything. Thus I need to know, so I have to do something. I think I'll step back from the common projects so if she turns me down, her potential uncomfort would be limited as we won't have any reason to see each other during the day, and if she doesn't then I'll talk to HR.
– CruzM0
Aug 19 at 20:28
This does look like chasing after a woman, with the job being the complication. Your goal seems to be to have a relationship with the intern, and you mention many issues with the job. You don't seem to grasp that there is likely no way to keep this comfortable for her as long as you're at the company, and exploring the possibility will very likely make her uncomfortable.
– David Thornley
Aug 20 at 18:24