u/remnant_phoenix

So this is the first job I’ve had where this sort of work politics has come up.

I’ve been at this job for less than six months and my boss has really gone out of her way to make me feel supported. She took me out to lunch during my first week. She took me out to lunch again on my birthday. Her birthday is tomorrow and I want to acknowledge it. Should I treat her to lunch? Should I just bring her a cupcake or a card or something?

What makes this awkward is that I’m a man and I’m afraid of any gesture like those I listed above being seen as inappropriate.

I‘ve only ever worked in situations where having a friendly and supportive boss in this way couldn’t (or just didn’t) happen, so don’t know what to do.

Help?