Dear Love Guru,
I was in a serious relationship with a senior student during my college days. We broke off due to his overtly flirtatious nature with other girls.
This was my first relationship and pained me a lot when it ended abruptly.
Fast forward, the company I just joined has the same guy working in a senior position. He is married now and from what I know has a kid too. 
I shrugged off the past and graciously met him within our professional boundaries, but he started hitting on me with mushy comments about my appearance.
The other day, I received a text from him asking me to go out for dinner with him.
His behaviour is really affecting my mental and emotional state. How do I tackle this situation? 

Ans: Dear Anonymous,

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this difficult situation. It's not uncommon for people who have been married for a long time to feel this way. It mostly happens because the marriage is now part of your routine while your colleague seems like a breath of fresh air. But as you yourself mentioned, it is nothing but mere infatuation.

Do not beat yourself up for it. It will pass as all infatuations do. I suggest establishing some boundaries so that, even unintentionally, you do not cross them. Maintain a professional demeanor. But most importantly, take some time to reflect on what is missing from your marriage that led you to develop feelings for someone else. A loving and healthy marriage would keep you emotionally fulfilled enough to never look for happiness outside of it. Lastly, remind yourself why you fell in love with your husband and remember that love and commitment are not based on a mere choice; it is a conscious decision you make every day.

Best Wishes!

Ans: It seems like you've been through a challenging situation at work, and it's completely normal to have mixed feelings and experience stress in such circumstances. It's important to address your feelings and find a way to navigate this situation in a healthy manner. Here are some steps you can consider:

Reflect on the situation: Take some time to reflect on your feelings and the events that have transpired. Consider why you started to enjoy the attention and what it meant to you. Understand that it's natural to develop feelings for someone when you spend a lot of time together.
Maintain professional boundaries: It's crucial to maintain professional boundaries at the workplace. While it's okay to have friendly relationships with colleagues, it's important not to cross the line into unprofessional behavior. Recognize the importance of professionalism and how it can impact your work environment.
Focus on self-improvement: Instead of seeking validation or attention from your coworker, channel your energy into self-improvement. Continue taking care of yourself and striving for personal and professional growth.
Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings and concerns. They can provide emotional support and an outside perspective on the situation. Venting to someone you trust can help relieve some of your stress.
Speak to a manager or HR: It's commendable that you took the step to approach your senior about the need for sensitivity in the workplace. Continue to communicate your concerns about inappropriate behavior, whether it's from your coworker or anyone else in the office, to your HR department or a higher-up. They should be able to address these issues appropriately.
Accept that people change: It's possible that your coworker's behavior changed after you raised the issue with your senior. People's actions can be influenced by various factors, and it's essential to accept that he might have his reasons for acting differently.
Create a support network: Build strong relationships with other colleagues who share your values and provide a positive work environment. This can help reduce the impact of missing the interactions with your previous work spouse.
Manage your expectations: Understand that things might not go back to the way they were before. Colleagues change, and your coworker may have chosen to distance himself for personal or professional reasons.
Focus on your well-being: Prioritize self-care, both physically and mentally. Engage in activities that make you happy and help reduce stress. A healthy work-life balance can greatly improve your overall mood and well-being.
Seek professional help if necessary: If your stress and emotional struggles persist, consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance and support for your emotional well-being.
Remember, it's important to prioritize your mental and emotional health. It may take time to adjust to the changes in your workplace dynamics, but with the right approach and support, you can find a way to navigate this situation and move forward positively.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that it must be tough to see someone you like, flirting with another person in front of you. But, as you said, your colleague often does this and he has been upfront about this. Now, you need to understand that your feelings are valid even if you knew about his nature. But having said that, I don’t think there’s much you can do about him. The best thing is to slowly distance yourself from him and end his chapter here. The more you get involved and look for answers the more you will get hurt. Try spending more time with friends and people who truly appreciate you.
Best wishes.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how confused and hurt you must be feeling. It was definitely wrong of him to lead you on, and never mention that he is already married. We don’t know the dynamics of his marriage, whether it is open or he is hiding all these from his. But I do get the sense that you do not want to be involved with a married person. So, going on this trip, even if he says it’s “as friends” can complicate things. I would suggest you think twice before continuing this “so called friendship” and also before going ahead with the trip plan. He might not care, but it can hurt you since your feelings are genuine.
Hope this helps.