Dear Swanky:

Good to read from you again. I am fine, thank you, and you are welcome!

“She greeted me normal without the side hugs… I just chatted and teased her like I always do. Just not with the back hugs and kisses”- it makes sense that being, like you said, that (1) she is aware that you are interested in her in a same-sex kind of way, (2) she is not interested in you in this way… that she will not offer you side-hugs. and that you will not initiate any physical contact with her: no hugs and no kisses.

Seems to me that if you participated in any hugs and kisses with her at this point and onward, in the workplace, you could be subject to a sexual harassment suit (at least you would be if this happened in the U.S). So, please be careful, Swanky, and accept the situation as it is. The Serenity Prayer comes to my mind: “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.

anita