Thank you for taking the time to reply, Anita…

Yes, there was definitely a connection, but I think that I saw the writing on the wall in the days after the first date. While the date was really great, and the kiss felt unforced, I think she realized that it was, while not a mistake, not the best idea. Any mentions of another kiss or something more intimate–like dinner at my home–went either unrequited or ignored. I hoped she was only taking her time, but feared she thought that a relationship with a coworker (in the same office) was a bad idea. She is right, of course. Dating a coworker is inherently dangerous–even if we continue to telework full time for the foreseeable future.

It’s tough because I felt such a strong connection with her, and I believe she felt there was something more with me. Conversation and our interaction felt just so fluid and effortless. It’s strange because I rarely find that in another person. However, I have tempered my expectations and will embrace whatever a friendship looks like. It was nice hearing from her every day for a few weeks, so it bittersweet not to hear anything from her since Friday afternoon (as it is Sunday evening as I write this).

As you and my counselor have said, I’ll just take it slow and enjoy whatever time she allows for me. And perhaps someday soon things may change that could lead to something greater.