Lost Love Chance Due to Office Gossip? 45-Year-Old Man Seeks Advice

Ans: It's understandable that this situation with your former college friend is causing you stress and confusion. However, it's important to acknowledge that touching someone without their consent, even if unintentional, is never acceptable. Even though you meant no harm, it's crucial to respect your friend's boundaries and understand her reaction.

Here are some suggestions for navigating this situation:

1. Respect your friend's boundaries: While your intentions might have been innocent, it's clear your friend felt uncomfortable with the physical contact. Respecting her boundaries and apologizing sincerely are crucial steps. It might be helpful to have a brief, direct conversation where you reiterate your apology and emphasize that you understand and respect her discomfort.

2. Maintain professionalism: Given that you're working on the same project, maintain a professional and respectful distance. Avoid initiating personal conversations or any physical contact. Focus on work-related communication and interactions.

3. Reflect on your actions: Consider seeking professional guidance from a therapist to explore your thought patterns and behaviors concerning personal boundaries. This can help you develop healthier ways to interact with others and avoid similar situations in the future.

4. Forgive yourself: Remember that while it's important to acknowledge and learn from your actions, dwelling on guilt won't be productive. Forgive yourself for the unintentional mistake and focus on moving forward with respect and understanding.

5. Focus on your marriage: Remember that you have a loving wife and family. Reinvest your energy into strengthening your relationships with them and prioritize their well-being.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Since you mentioned married, I am assuming your wife is still in the picture. So, how do you think things would have worked out between you and your lady friend? And, you are only assuming she liked you; she could've considered you a good friend- good friends can have coffee together too. Her blocking you and not speaking to you is not the real issue here- you are married. I suggest instead of dwelling on why she isn't speaking to you, focus on your marriage. Take some time to think why you are seeking affection and attention outside of your marriage and what you can do to fix it. It's not too late, yet.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
When there is no connection at home, it does not mean you go around looking for it outside. Work hard if you haven't done that already to fix things between you and your wife.
People outside come with their own set of challenges etc and then of course, people at office are going to talk about it...This is not good either for your reputation or the lady's...please focus on yourself and your marriage for things to improve.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
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