A “work spouse” is a term used to describe a close, non-romantic, and often platonic relationship between two coworkers. They share a deep bond built on mutual respect, trust, and support, just like a marriage partner. However, there’s a thin line between friendship and flirtation, and sometimes that line can blur in a workplace relationship. Work spouses might develop a dynamic that’s a little too personal, leading to certain signs of flirtation. In this article, we’ll explore 16 signs of work spouse flirting, so you can recognize when things might be veering into more than just friendship.
1. The Way They Look at Each Other
One of the clearest signs that there’s more than just friendly camaraderie between two coworkers is the way they look at each other. If your work spouse is giving you lingering glances or looks that seem to carry deeper meaning, it could be an indication of flirtation. When people flirt, they tend to maintain prolonged eye contact, perhaps even with a subtle smile or twinkle in their eyes. These gestures are often unconscious, but they are indicators of attraction and interest.
2. Their Jokes Have a Different Flavor
Humor is an essential component of any strong relationship, and work spouses often share inside jokes that no one else understands. However, if the jokes start to carry a more flirtatious tone—such as playful teasing or witty remarks—it could be a sign of something more. You may notice that they start joking around in a way that includes flirtatious comments or references to each other’s physical appearances or personalities. This playful banter might be lighthearted, but it can also signal an undercurrent of attraction.
3. Break Times Become “Their” Time
At work, breaks are a great opportunity to recharge, grab a coffee, and connect with others. But when a work spouse begins to claim break times as “their” time, it could be a sign of flirtation. Instead of taking breaks with other colleagues, they start to seek out each other’s company. Whether it’s a quick lunch, coffee break, or chat in the break room, the two of them might prefer to spend their downtime together. If the dynamic feels more exclusive or intimate than usual, it’s worth considering the possibility of flirting.
4. They’re Super Connected, Even Off the Clock
A sign of deeper connection between work spouses is that they stay in touch even when they’re not at work. Whether through text messages, phone calls, or social media interactions, the constant communication can indicate that there’s something more than just a professional bond. If they share personal details about their lives or frequently check in on each other’s day, it could be an indication of flirtation beyond the work environment. They may also be making plans to hang out outside of work, which can blur the lines between a platonic friendship and something more.
5. Little Gestures That Say a Lot
Flirtation often comes through in subtle, small gestures. These little actions might seem insignificant on their own, but when you start noticing a pattern, they can be revealing. For instance, a work spouse might often bring you your favorite snack, open doors for you, or offer to help with your workload. While these gestures could be seen as friendly, the frequency and nature of them might indicate that there’s more to the relationship than just being helpful. In a flirting dynamic, these gestures may have an underlying tone of wanting to please or impress the other person.
6. They Get a Bit Jealous, Just a Tad
While jealousy is not always a healthy trait, it can surface when a work spouse feels threatened by someone else. If you notice that your work spouse seems a little off when you interact with other coworkers, especially if the attention is on someone of the opposite sex, this could be a sign of flirtation. They may subtly try to regain your attention by interrupting or making remarks to remind you of your bond. This sense of protectiveness or jealousy, though mild, can suggest that there’s a deeper attachment or romantic interest at play.
7. Their Personal Space? A Bit Cozier
Another sign of work spouse flirting is when the boundaries of personal space become less defined. People who are just friends will typically respect each other’s personal space, but in flirtatious relationships, that respect may not be as strong. You might notice your work spouse leaning in closer during conversations, or standing too near for comfort. While this could be a sign of strong camaraderie or closeness, it can also be a subtle indication of flirtation. Physical proximity in these situations can help gauge the level of attraction or emotional connection.
8. The Defender Role is Strong with Them
Work spouses often have each other’s backs, but when this sense of protection becomes particularly strong, it could signal deeper feelings. If your work spouse is constantly defending you from criticism or standing up for you in challenging situations, it shows that they value you deeply. While being supportive is typical in any close relationship, in a flirtatious scenario, this defense often takes on a personal tone. They may go out of their way to make sure that others treat you with respect or try to shield you from uncomfortable situations, showcasing how much they care.
9. There’s a Shared Sense of Secret
One of the telltale signs of work spouse flirting is the shared sense of secrecy between the two of you. If you and your work spouse have private conversations or inside jokes that no one else understands, it may indicate an unspoken connection. This bond often makes other coworkers feel like outsiders, as they aren’t in on the secret dynamic. If your work spouse starts sharing personal details with you that they wouldn’t normally disclose to others, it could be a sign that they feel a deeper, more intimate connection with you.
10. Special Treats and Gestures
When flirtation is present in a work spouse relationship, the little gestures become more meaningful. These actions may involve giving each other small, thoughtful gifts, such as a cup of coffee, a snack from the vending machine, or even something more personal like a favorite book or a handwritten note. These gestures are often designed to show that they’ve been thinking of you, and the effort put into these small surprises can suggest a deeper connection than friendship alone.
11. They Anticipate Each Other’s Needs
A key characteristic of a work spouse dynamic is the ability to anticipate each other’s needs without being asked. Whether it’s taking care of each other during stressful work periods, offering to help with a complicated project, or even knowing exactly what coffee you like, these small acts of consideration can indicate a level of closeness that goes beyond friendship. If your work spouse can sense when you need support or are feeling down, and steps in without hesitation, this shows a strong emotional bond, and potentially, flirtation.
12. Their Energy Shifts Around Each Other
Energy shifts are an important sign of flirtation between work spouses. You may notice that their behavior changes when you’re around compared to when you’re not. This could manifest as them becoming more animated, excited, or even a bit more nervous when interacting with you. They might also become more attentive and engaged in your conversations, maintaining higher levels of eye contact or leaning in closer than usual. These shifts in energy can be an unconscious expression of attraction.
13. Holidays and Birthdays Are Extra Special
When you and your work spouse go above and beyond to make each other’s birthdays or special occasions memorable, it’s a sign that there’s more than just friendship at play. If they remember the little details about your celebrations, such as buying you a thoughtful gift or sending you a message on a special day, it shows that they are invested in making you feel valued. Flirtation can manifest during these moments as they seek to impress you or show their affection in subtle ways.
14. Little Touches Here and There
Physical touch can be a powerful indicator of flirtation, even in a professional setting. Work spouses may engage in small, innocent touches such as a tap on the shoulder, a quick hug, or a gentle hand on the arm. These touches can seem casual or friendly, but when they occur frequently or in more intimate moments, they can indicate a deeper connection. Flirtation often involves touch that communicates a sense of affection and closeness, even if it’s subtle or fleeting.
15. They Seek Each Other’s Opinions First
In a flirtatious work spouse relationship, there’s often a tendency for one person to seek the other’s opinion before anyone else’s. Whether it’s about work-related decisions, personal matters, or something as simple as what to have for lunch, this preference for each other’s input can signify that you value their opinion more than others. When someone is attracted to another person, they often want to involve them in their decision-making process, as it makes them feel more connected.
16. After-Work Plans Often Include Each Other
Finally, one of the most significant signs of work spouse flirting is when after-work plans frequently involve the two of you together. If your work spouse regularly invites you to happy hours, dinners, or weekend outings, it indicates that they want to continue the connection outside of the office. These after-hours interactions provide more space for flirtation to develop, and they give both parties the opportunity to explore their feelings in a less formal environment.
Related Questions About Work Spouses
What is a work spouse?
A work spouse refers to a close colleague with whom one shares a strong bond, almost mimicking the closeness and camaraderie of a marital relationship, but in a professional setting.
This person is typically someone you collaborate with closely, confide in, and share both professional and sometimes personal life details.
The term emphasizes the depth and importance of the relationship, showcasing that it’s more than just a casual office friendship.
How do you know if it’s work spouse flirting or just friendship?
Work spouse flirting often includes more personal interactions, gestures that go beyond the norm, deeper eye contact, or more intimate conversations.
While friendships might involve shared lunches or casual chats, flirting usually incorporates elements that feel more personal, like frequent subtle touches or discussing life outside of work more than usual.
Is it okay to have a work spouse?
Having a work spouse can be both beneficial and tricky. On the positive side, it provides emotional support, makes work more enjoyable, and can enhance productivity.
However, complications can arise if boundaries are crossed or if one party begins to develop romantic feelings. Plus, work spouses often lead to rumors and sometimes work complications.
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
