I think he knows I have a crush...

Illustration/Uday Mohite

I am a 25-year-old woman and recently began working at an office where I met a guy I really like. As I got to know him better, my feelings grew. We have been working together for around four months now and I happened to mention that I have a crush on him while speaking to another colleague. The weird thing is, because everyone here gossips a lot, the office knows how I feel, and I can sense them talking about me behind my back. I am certain the guy knows this too, because his attitude towards me has shifted and he seems a bit awkward. I don't think he's upset, and I get the sense that he is trying to understand me before he says anything. Should I just embrace the fact that he knows anyway and ask him out?
Given that everyone else knows, the sooner you find out how he feels, the easier it will be for you to deal with any potential awkwardness. This is a colleague, and you both have a professional relationship to maintain irrespective of your personal lives and feelings. Asking him out is a good way to clear the air and have an adult conversation about where this is going, or if it is going anywhere at all. It may also help to be prepared for the possibility that he doesn't feel the same way, in which case you should talk about how to go back to how things were without this affecting either of your lives at work. Your colleagues will eventually move on, because that's how offices function.

How do I prepare myself for a breakup with someone I have been with for two years? Should we stay friends?
That depends entirely upon whether you want this person in your life, going forward. As for preparation, try writing down what you want to say because that may help you articulate your feelings and make this conversation easier, rather than potentially hurtful. Also remember, sadness or pain is inevitable.

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