Manager Develops Feelings For Close Employee Who Is In Relationship, Seeks Advice On How To Handle It Professionally

"We are both professional people and no lines have been crossed, but the energy is there and I can tell it is getting stronger."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• November 26, 2023

In the realm of workplace dynamics, OP, a seasoned middle manager in her mid-30s, finds herself entangled in the intricate web of emotions with her right-hand man. Managing a team of 15, the professional lines blur as their partnership transforms into something deeper.

As the energy between them intensifies, she grapples with the ethical dilemma of harboring feelings for an employee.

Their collaborative synergy takes a turn as they navigate the shift from a conventional manager-employee dynamic to that of work partners. This evolution in their relationship is not merely organizational; it’s marked by a palpable emotional undercurrent.

The delicate situation is exacerbated by the knowledge of her colleague's current romantic entanglement, fraught with uncertainties and the looming specter of a potential separation.

OP contemplates the possibility of a role change in the future, where they could become hierarchically equal. While her current job offers stability, a handsome salary, flexibility, and promising career prospects, the potential shift in dynamics adds another dimension to her professional and personal predicament.

With a supportive relationship with her female boss and the uncertainties of workplace affairs looming, OP grapples with the delicate balance of professional ethics and personal inclinations in the corporate landscape.

Just take a look at the original Reddit post...

TL;DR: Mid-30s manager has developed feelings for a close employee and believes it might be mutual, seeking advice on how to handle the situation professionally.

Roles shifted, now partners at work; worried about developing mutual feelings.

Soft spots and professional plots: feeling the energy rise with a coworker, wondering how to keep it pro and spicy.

Dated under a year, plans to move in together faltered with his sudden doubts. Now, living apart, it seems their relationship is on borrowed time.

Casual workplace chats revealed his relationship details, shared openly with colleagues present.

Possible role switch in 6-9 months; currently torn between a great job with perks and the prospect of a more engaging position.

Considering the potential role switch, assess if the new position aligns with career goals. What do you think they should do?

Scroll down to see what people had to say!

Hold the job drama; he's not signaling romantic interest. Time to recalibrate from co-worker to co-worker, not rom-com star.

Yikes...

Torpedoing the job for romance?

Sounds like a plot twist even daytime TV would side-eye.

Romance at work is risky business, not a blockbuster action scene.

Boss-romance-marriage drama: high stress, low sanity. Wouldn't recommend, but it sure spices up the water cooler talk!

Rejection on the horizon? Stay positive or risk becoming the office villain.

Feelings on lockdown; no turning back once that emotional Pandora's box is opened.

It's like asking for spoilers but deciding to enjoy the suspense of the office saga.

Navigating feelings at work: It's like trying to balance a spreadsheet on a rollercoaster. Any advice for this workplace emotional gymnastics?

Dodge the emotional rollercoaster at work: Unstable guy, relationship drama, and oversharing—sounds like a soap opera with a side of career turbulence.

Status quo: No action, no confessions. Praying for a workplace plot twist. It's like waiting for the sequel, but hoping it's in a different genre and team.

Mixing work and love is risky business, especially with a guy who's already got a leading lady. Drama-free pays better!"

Imagination's on a roll, but let's keep it out of the courtroom drama. Redirect those thoughts to work, not fantasies.

Nice gestures don't equal romance.

Feelings at work: No action required. Let them chill in the 'do not disturb' folder.

Feelings on mute: an everyday saga. No need for a blockbuster response; life's already drama-packed.

The thrilling tale of doing absolutely nothing. Workplace drama on pause, sequel TBD.

Equal ranks post-promotion: Now starring in the workplace rom-com, 'Promotions and PDA.'

Crush alert: Less talk, more work. Supervisor romance is a workplace no-go.

Save the crash and burn for fiction, not career drama. Let's keep it HR-friendly.

Be his happiness cheerleader.

Choose the workplace scenes wisely: No action plan, no tension, no energy drama.

Therapy, not career sabotage. Plot twist: prioritizing goals over heartache.

Navigating the intricate dance of workplace emotions, OP realizes that office hierarchies are not the only thing in flux. As professional lines blur, she contemplates the future with humor, wondering if the organizational chart needs an added column for workplace heart flutters.

What would you do in this situation?

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia