What does lunch/drinks with a workmate alone mean?

Question

It's about a guy who started working in the same office about a couple of months ago. We don't work in the same department but we casually talk, email/message every day in the office. A few weeks ago we went for lunch together and the next week Friday we went for drinks after work. He initiated the both occasions and we sneaked out to avoid being caught by other colleagues. I really like this guy (he doens't know) but I am very confused because he says he is not up for office relationships (though he also said "unless it's serious"). What does this mean? Is he just expecting me to be his close workmate???

hi, thank you so much guys, it was my first question on "Answers" and I am so surprised how quickly I got answers!! To add a bit more info, we don't work on any project together (we work in different departments) so there is no projects to dicuss over lunch or drinks. And he says he goes out for drinks with a group of people from his department/team time to time. I am probably the first one to do outside of this dpt. and alone...
Anyway, cheers all and let me hear a few more opinions :)

Answer 1

Could be that he is justing wanting to have a friendship relationship as he's new and doesn't know anyone. Why do ppl feel after a couple of times going out..that they want to label everything by saying "were dating/going steady..or he's my b/friend"..........it IS possible to have male friends that you semi-work with.
perhaps he is letting you know he's not looking for an office romance -unless he met the right person and it became serious.......Maybe he's trying to feel you out wondering if you're interested in him at all or are you both really just workmates and that is all.
Him asking you out a few times could lead to a more stronger relationship, once you let him know in your own way that you are available and wanting to connect on a deeper level with him.

COMMUNICATION HONESTY AND TRUST are the keys to a long healthy relationship* GOODLUCK*

Answer 2

It could mean a few things:
1. It is easier to go get lunch with just one other person than the whole office.
2. Your his best friend in the office.
3. He might want to talk about something you two are working on and it would be kind of silly to take someone other than you. Also taking someone that wouldn't be part of the conversation (ignored) is rude.
4. Or it might mean he wants to date you.

If it is the last one, just go slow. Get to know him really well, then decide. Dating coworkers isn't bad if you don't rush into it and treat it like high school.

Answer 3

*I would not put so much emphasis on this...inter-office dating, is nothing but trouble. Because if other co-workers find out and word spreads you could both lose your jobs.

*And lets not forget your reputation can get damaged, and you can be labeled as the "office ****" (even if you only have dated this ONE guy). It's risky business dating a co-worker.

~So give your reputation some thought. But if you feel that strongly about him or dating him, then I guess...go for it. Just remember that you are putting your reputation on the line. And if you and that guy were to start dating and then had a bad breakup...oooh boy! That is even worse, because he might talk about you terribly..and expose how you were in bed...etc. Then again it can work out wonderfully for you?!

SOOOO....take a chance, and see what happens.

**Ughhh....all I am saying is be smart about it -k- **

...have fun though :)

Answer 4

The sequence of events you laid out usually lead to the bedroom. As far as what he said about not liking office relationships. Elaine from Seinfeld had a guy bet her that Dustin Hoffman was in Star Wars and that he would buy her dinner if he was wrong. Beware of the alterior motives.

Answer 5

Close friend......this is common in work...