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A reader has expressed uncertainty about their feelings for a close colleague at a university, questioning whether their strong affection could signify romantic love. The two have developed a close bond over several months, often spending time together both at work and socially.
While the reader acknowledges that they do not view their friend as perfect and sometimes find his behaviour off-putting in group settings, they still desire to be with him and envision shared experiences, such as holidays. The physical contact they share, although minimal, has led the reader to reflect on the nature of their feelings, wondering if they are confusing deep friendship with romantic love.
Annalisa Barbieri, the advice columnist, suggests that the reader consider whether they would like the relationship to become sexual. If so, it may be worth exploring what is preventing them from pursuing that direction. The complexity of emotions in workplace friendships is a common theme, and Barbieri encourages clarity in understanding one's feelings.
This situation highlights the intricacies of navigating personal relationships in professional environments, where boundaries can often blur, leading to confusion about the nature of one's feelings.
Source: www.theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/may/31/affection-friend-work-could-i-be-in-love-annalisa-barbieri