ok so this requires a little back story. i've been dealing with this really complicated and contentious case at work and i've had to deal with opposing counsel a lot, and my co-workers like to tease me that he's smitten with me and i'm usually like whatever you guys, leave me alone. so it's kind of a running joke and to be honest he does seem like he likes me but not enough to ever give an inch regarding work obviously, so i really don't even think about it.
so anyway, today is my birthday and he sent a birthday card to my work! my secretary put it in my inbox with a post-it on it that said she didn't want to open it because it looked personal and i was like, hmm...i'm not familiar with this return address so i open the card and lo and behold it's from him and here's what it said:
the front of the card has a frog with a guitar singing into a microphone "well our tadpole days are over, feeling older, tired and broke; can't hop as high, can't catch no fly but at least we haven't croaked." And then inside, the card says "older, sure--but you still have great legs. Happy Birthday"
and then he wrote: "Heard from L it was your special day. Congratulations. Maybe after this matter is over we can go out and celebrate. Happy Birthday, S"
you guys, how the heck am I supposed to handle this???
UPDATE: You guys, it was a joke!! L, another associate/coworker whose also on the case, cooked up the whole scheme--he is such a dumba**.
I think that is SOOOO cute! I must say I was quite shocked to see you asking for advice because you're always the genius advice giver!
I really don't see any harm in going out for a "celebration" as he calls it, after the case is over of course! The way you told the story and the way he's behaving toward you, it seems that you like each other, so why not give it a go?
As far as responding to the card, maybe you could call him or tell him next time you see him and say what a nice gesture the card was and after the case maybe you'll take him up on his offer.
if you think there may be potential as a friend or boyfriend go out with him ! he sounds sweet. but we may need to work on his card choosing ability :)
here's the thing you guys--i don't like him. at all. if i did, it would've literally made my birthday, but i don't. he's just not my type. i actually don't think he likes me either, in a serious way, more in a jokey way. i'm actually shocked that he'd send such a card (to work!)because it is inappropriate, my jaw dropped when i opened it! of course i have to admit to being flattered and liking the attention, i just don't know what i'm supposed to do now? i'm also afraid that i have been unintentionally giving off "like" vibes because of nunzi's comment that the way i told the story made it seem like i liked him? when really i don't, and you guys it's not a denial issue, i can't even see him that way, in the least.
ok. I would just not acknowlege it. if he brings it up, professionally say "yes I did receive it. Thank you for the gesture." then quickly shift gears to a work topic. If he persists, I would tell him that although you are flattered, you are only interested in a working relationship with him. then again, switch the subject to work.
ick - how uncomfortable for you.
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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
I might be like "Thank you for the card, how nice of you to think of me," in a really business-like way and then immediately follow with someone regarding work, so you kind of say without saying it that the matter is closed and you're not going to follow that with a "yeah.... maybe we could hang out ..." it might just give him just the vibe he needs that this is business only!
phew, that's exactly what my initial reaction was. thank you so much for the validation.
the other annoying thing is that my coworkers keep coming in and talking about it and i don't want to come off like i think the poor guy is a troll or something so i'm just like all right all right, that's enough let's get back to work, guys--when really i just want them to go away so i can get on stylethread
yeah, i agree with detroit--just ignore it until he asks (which he might not).
ok, and this might be really high school, but the super-inappropriate choice of card makes me wonder if someone is playing a joke and sent it without his knowing and signed his name. i would like to believe he would be more professional than to choose that card, but who knows i guess.
happy birthday, esquiress! don't give this weirdo another thought!
yeah, i agree with detroit--just ignore it until he asks (which he might not).
ok, and this might be really high school, but the super-inappropriate choice of card makes me wonder if someone is playing a joke and sent it without his knowing and signed his name. i would like to believe he would be more professional than to choose that card, but who knows i guess.
happy birthday, esquiress! don't give this weirdo another thought!
bumblebee, you're PSYCHIC!!!! That is exactly what was going on!!! L just admitted to it. I said thank god and you are such an idiot all in the same breath!!
can you believe them?!? Just goes to show high school never ends!
oh and thanks for the birthday wishes, I can't believe I am 28, from what I've been dealing with all morning you would think I was still 14!