7 signs a work colleague is deeply attracted to you, according to psychology

Ever heard that old saying, “The eyes are the windows to the soul”? It’s especially true when it comes to attraction.

Here’s the deal.

Attraction is a funny thing. It can be blindingly obvious or so subtle it’s nearly invisible. And when it happens at work, between colleagues? That adds an extra layer of complexity.

So, how do you tell if that friendly colleague of yours is just being nice or if there might be a deeper attraction at play? Enter psychology, our handy guide to deciphering the human mind.

Alright, let’s cut to the chase.

1) They find reasons to be near you

Here’s our first sign.

You know that feeling when someone seems to always be in your vicinity? Maybe they’re always stopping by your desk, or they magically appear in the break room when you’re there. This is no mere coincidence.

Psychology tells us people tend to gravitate towards those they’re attracted to. It’s a subconscious thing. We want to be near the people that we like, or in this case, are attracted to.

But remember, context is key.

If your colleague happens to sit next to you in meetings because that’s where the empty chair is, that might not mean anything. But if they’re consistently “bumping into you” around the office? That’s a different story.

So, keep an eye out. If they’re always around, it might be because they want to be.

2) They remember the small details

Okay, here’s another one.

You’ve probably experienced this. You casually mention something about your life, maybe a hobby you enjoy or a favorite band, and then days or weeks later, they bring it up again.

This happened to me once. I casually mentioned my love for indie folk music in a meeting. A few weeks later, my colleague gave me a recommendation for an indie folk band she thought I might like. It was a small gesture, but it showed me that she was paying attention and cared about my interests.

This, my friends, is a classic sign of attraction.

Psychology suggests when we’re attracted to someone, we tend to remember even the smallest details about them. This is because we subconsciously attach importance to the things they say or do.

3) Their body language speaks volumes

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Body language, it’s a powerful communicator. More often than not, it says more than words ever could.

Here’s what I mean.

You’re in a meeting, and you catch your colleague’s gaze lingering on you, or maybe they lean in when you’re talking, or they consistently mirror your actions. These are all classic signs of attraction.

Let’s be clear here.

We’re not talking about those unintentional gestures we all do. No, we’re talking about subtle yet consistent signs that communicate attraction.

Psychology suggests that when we’re drawn to someone, our body tends to reflexively respond. This could be through prolonged eye contact, mirroring behaviors, or even subtle touch (like a pat on the back or a brief touch on the arm).

4) They initiate conversations

Let’s move on to the next sign.

Ever notice how some people, regardless of their usual personality, seem to take the initiative in striking up a conversation with you? It’s not just about work-related discussions, but about your weekend plans, the book you’re reading or your thoughts on the latest Netflix series.

Attraction is funny that way.

Psychology indicates that when we feel a pull towards someone, we want to know more about them. And how do we do that? By initiating conversations, of course.

So, pay attention.

If your colleague frequently initiates chats with you, it might be their way of expressing interest. They’re taking the time and effort to engage with you outside of work responsibilities. That’s definitely something worth noting.

5) They compliment you often

Here’s something to ponder.

Compliments. They’re not just about boosting our egos or making us feel good. There’s more to it than that.

Did you know that complimenting someone increases our likability towards them? It’s true. A study found that giving compliments can make us more attracted to the person we’re complimenting.

So, think about your interactions with your colleague.

Do they often compliment you? Maybe they praise your work, your outfit, or even your sense of humor. If they’re dishing out compliments left and right, it could be a sign of their deeper attraction towards you.

6) They lend a helping hand

Now, let’s explore this sign.

Work can get stressful. Deadlines, presentations, last-minute changes – we’ve all been there. But here’s the thing. When you’re drowning in work and a colleague steps up to lend a hand, it’s more than just simple teamwork.

We’re talking about those moments when they go beyond their job description to help you out. Maybe they stayed late to help you finish a project or offered to take some of your workload during a particularly busy time.

So, if your colleague often comes to your aid, it could be a sign of their deeper feelings for you. It’s not just about being helpful; it’s about showing that they care.

7) They show genuine interest in your personal life

Here’s the last sign.

When a colleague starts showing a keen interest in your life outside work, take note. It’s one thing to ask about your weekend plans for the sake of small talk, but it’s another to remember and ask about your elderly grandmother’s health or how your pet’s vet appointment went.

This level of interest often stems from attraction. It’s about wanting to understand you beyond your professional persona, to know what makes you tick.

Wrapping it up

If you find yourself identifying with these signs, take a moment to reflect. How do you feel about your colleague? What does this attraction mean for your professional relationship? It’s vital to consider these questions before jumping to conclusions or making any decisions.

In the end, clarity often comes from open and honest communication. If you feel comfortable and it’s appropriate, have a conversation with your colleague about your feelings.