A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:This is party a follow up question. I made a post a couple of weeks ago about a female client who I thought was flirting with me. I’m rubbish at working this stuff out so needed advice!I’ve just announced that I’m leaving my job so I called her to tell her and say goodbye. She sounded genuinely disappointed and said that she felt we had good “professional chemistry”.Is professional chemistry a thing? Did I read this wrongly? Can two women have professional chemistry? And isn’t chemistry just attraction but with a different name? We’d only been working together for about two months so it’s not like we had a long term backgroundand had done loads of amazing projects together or anything and she also deals with my other colleagues and they don’t have these types of conversations.
View related questions:
at work, flirt Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
reader, anonymous, writes (30 May 2019): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank you for responding everyone.
Yes, I did leave on purpose for a new opportunity but the decision was not made in relation with any of my current clients.
I think the mixed messages came from the the frequent touching when we were in meetings together (that even colleagues noticed) and the mention on her part about attending a non work related event together in a few months time. We were also speaking far more frequently (at work) than we needed to and she’d bypass my other colleagues in favour of me.
Maybe I did just get my wires crossed and as some of you mentioned should just take it as a nice compliment about my way of working.
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (29 May 2019): Hi OP. I'm curious. Did you leave your current job on purpose? Were you hoping to get her attention? In other words, were you hoping she'd pursue you if she was no longer a client? It's hard to say if she is into you that way. It looks doubtful. But if you really want to find out, invite her for a friendly drink. Just remain calm and don't expect too much.
...............................
A
female
reader, Youcannotbeserious +, writes (28 May 2019):
 I've never heard the term before but, as soon as I read it, I knew what was meant. It happens when two (or more) personalities connect AT WORK LEVEL. I feel this connection with my current assistant at work as she is always willing and helpful, conscientious and will always go that extra mile to get something done.
You must know yourself that some people are much easier to work with than others. I think telling someone you feel you have "work chemistry" with them is a great PROFESSIONAL compliment. Take whatever you have been doing to your next job as it will serve you well.
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (28 May 2019): I think she was being polite; and I wouldn't over-read any hidden-meaning into her compliment.
Sometimes people can get a little dramatic in expressing their thoughts; and in choosing the the wrong-words, at times their words are taken out of context.
If you are gay, or gay-curious; we gay-folk often get crossed-signals. Many times that comes from wishful-thinking. Please err on the side of caution. It was a delightful compliment; and to take it to mean much more than that, might be stretching it a bit.
Just take it to mean she liked your work-ethic and it was a pleasure working with you. I wouldn't go so far as to believe there was any romantic-implication, or a surreptitious suggestion that she may be attracted to you.
...............................
A
female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (28 May 2019):
 I think "professional chemistry" is just another term for being on the same wave-length or just a good fit. Doesn't MEAN there HAS to be anything romantic, except for subtle connotations which are SO hard to misunderstand.
Some people (both men and women) uses a slightly flirty "personality" as a way to make people feel at ease or welcome.
I OD think some people can easily "click" even when it comes to work. Been there done that with both males and females sans anything flirty or touchy feely going on.
I would NOT read anything further into it.
If she had wanted to "get something going" she would have jumped on board when you told her you were leaving the company.
...............................
|
