My married colleague 37y.o guy bought me lunch last Friday. We are on two different sub-teams in the same company but he offered to help me on a major project throughout the weekend- because of his assistance I would bring him snacks or energy drinks. He made a joke one day about I should buy him lunch and I agreed. Fast forward and we agree to a lunch date and he ended up buying me lunch instead, in addition to getting me a box of cookies on Valentine’s day. I offered again to buy him lunch since he paid when I should have and he agreed on next Tuesday.
We have a good banter, and sometimes it can teeter on flirtatious or even adult jokes but I always thought it was jokes. When we went out to lunch nearby the office, another colleague happened to be eating at the same restaurant and saw us. Then rumours started spreading immediately… I confronted the colleague who saw us and said it was none of his business what we do with our time off the clock (probably not the best phrasing at all) and to stop spreading rumours when he has no information about anything.
However, it made me wonder if I’m the one in the wrong for allowing flirtatious behaviour from a married man and allowing him to buy me lunch. He is married but I don’t think he is on good terms with his wife. I know he also has an 8-month-old son but from certain phrasing, he’s used it seems like he and his wife are separated and co-parenting although he hasn’t specifically said that.
Am I wrong to confront the rumour spreader?
Here are what netizens think:
- This reads like a fantasy of a 37yo man who is unhappy with his home life and daydreams about having an affair with his much younger friendly coworker.
- She is also young and probably feels flattered and like she is saving him, and it is flattering to have someone show you attention, especially if it is someone you admire. But hopefully she will realise this guy is a dick and she will pull her head out of her arse and will keep things professional from now on.