u/Nebulanomad_21

I met an acquaintance about a couple of weeks ago and we started talking and getting to know each other. At first things were going well and there was mutual interest. It felt like it was progressing pretty quickly on both sides.

At one point, she seemed pretty invested emotionally early on (even referring to me in a “this is my person” type of way to a coworker). Not long after that, she pulled back and said she felt like things were moving too fast and she wanted to slow it down. She explained it pretty openly and said I didn’t do anything wrong.

A few days later, we had a conversation where she said she still likes me and that I can hit her up anytime. I told her I understood and there’s no awkwardness on my end. We ended the conversation on good terms, just a bit awkward at the very end, but nothing negative.

Since then, we’ve had a brief interaction where she initiated a “hi,” so it doesn’t feel like things are completely closed off.

I’m not trying to overthink it, just trying to understand how situations like this usually play out.

M28 here about a brief thing with a F27 coworker that ended a month ago — now getting weird hallway vibes + she followed me on IG after previously removing me. Advice?

About a month ago I (M28) and a female coworker (F27) had a short, casual thing. It was mostly just lunches at work, some flirty texts with heart emojis, and we both liked each other. She even told me she really liked me. Things were heading toward hanging out outside of work when she suddenly said it felt like we were moving too fast, mentioned life getting busy, and called it quits. It ended pretty cleanly with no big fight.

I genuinely moved on and decided to treat her like any other coworker — quick “hi” or nod when we pass in the hallways, nothing more. Since then we’ve had several awkward run-ins in the hallways. The first couple times we locked eyes unexpectedly; I said hi casually (once a bit louder as I was walking into her path), and she got visibly nervous/scared, froze up, or looked like she wanted to say something but couldn’t. One time we both nervously scratched our hair at the exact same moment (mirroring). Another time she was just standing there staring at me; I tried to get her to talk lightly and she only managed a few “yes” answers before going quiet.

I’ve kept everything super chill and professional on my end — no ignoring her after eye contact, no avoidance, just normal coworker energy so things don’t get weird at work.

Recently she sent me a follow request on Instagram. (For context: I had been following her before, but she removed me as a follower right after she ended things. So she had to intentionally search for or remember my username to send the new request.) I accepted and followed back neutrally.

Now I’m tempted to reach out (either a light IG message or a casual in-person talk) because the pattern makes it feel like she still has some feelings or at least unresolved tension — the nerves, freezing, staring, mirroring, and deliberate re-follow all point that way. But I also respect why she originally pulled back (“moving too fast”), and I don’t want to send mixed signals, chase, or make work awkward.

From an outside perspective it’s almost funny (hallway sitcom vibes), but it’s stirring up emotions for me because she’s my type and I’ve been craving real human connection lately.

Should I let her know something low-key like “hey, door’s open if/when you’re ready, but for now we’re just coworkers”? Or is it better to keep doing what I’m doing (stay consistent and neutral, let her initiate if she wants to actually talk)? Any similar experiences with coworker almost-relationships that got awkward after one person hit the brakes?

Thanks for any honest advice.