How should I introduce my boyfriend to my coworkers?

Question

I have been dating my boyfriend for 9 months. Things have gotten serious in the past few months and we are starting to integrate our lives together. I am a regional manager for a construction supply company. My career is such a big part of my life so my boyfriend has been anxious to see where I work. He plans to visit one of the retail locations that I manage today for a grand tour and then will take me to lunch.

When he gets here should I introduce him to my staff or should I just walk around with him as if he is a client? If I do formally introduce him to my coworkers should I introduce him as my friend or boyfriend?

Because I’m in a management role, I keep my personal life out of the workplace as much as possible. I’ve never even mentioned that I have a boyfriend and it will be big news that my staff will whisper about for weeks. I’m uncomfortable mixing the two but I’m happy to do this because it is so important to my boyfriend.

Answer 1

As a manager, you're expected to have a higher level of professionalism - which typically means you don't talk about your personal life on the job. Since you said you don't do this, it will be awkward to do.

Your boyfriend wants to see where you work, not meet all your co-workers, correct? And forgive me for how this sounds, but is this a guy you can see yourself with for the rest of your life? (Not trying to scare you, but that may have some bearing on whether or not you choose to introduce him.)

Either way, you should talk to your boyfriend about it. Tell him you're not sure about introducing him because of your role as manager (NOT because you're ashamed of him) and want to know his thoughts and what he would prefer if introductions are to be made.

I will say in my own life, I would prefer to make introductions. My boyfriend is a lawyer, and I'm a paralegal (both for different law firms). When we had our office Christmas parties, we both introduced each other as boyfriend/girlfriend. Everyone at my office knew he was my boyfriend (I've talked about him and have a picture of us in my office), but he's more private about his personal life at work, so I was quite enthused when he introduced me like that.

Again though, you can only do what makes you comfortable, and it might be best if you talk to him about it beforehand so as to avoid any hurt feelings.

Answer 2

I dont see it as mixing work and personal life, especially with the relationship heading long term. I DEFINITELY would NOT go around intorducing him as a "friend". That will likely piss him off greatly and it will seem like you are embarassed or hiding him.

In my situation, I would likely introduce him as your BF, because just a plain intorduction, people will be like, who is this guy, and why should I care. More than likely, I think most people will not care, BF or not. If you just introduce him by name, I would clear it with him first and ask him if he has a problem with it. If that is a problem, for close people a work, introduce as BF, and otherwise, give him a tour late in the evening when noone is around.

Answer 3

Simple,just indroduce the man as who he is,your boyfriend.Don't walk around like he's a client that would be rude to him,he's just trying to take a interest in your world.
Co-workers are going to talk about anything & everything even if they don't know the truth then they're going to make stuff up and you don't need that,just say this is my boyfriend.
Respect the man for taking a interest in your life and he'll respect you more!!

Answer 4

definitely introduce him as your boy friend. its okay to mix your world a little and plus he would probably be hurt if you just introduced him as a friend whether he said i wouldnt be or not. walk him around like a client but when you come across employees just introduce him quickly, maybe make quick small talk, then keep movin on.

Answer 5

Of course you should introduce him. If you are "commited" to each other, meaning you both agree that you are together, then you should introduce him as your boyfriend. It is good that you seperate you personal life from your work life, but you cannot keep them apart completely. If I were in that situation and my girlfriend did not introduce me I would feel like she was trying to hide me. Like she is ashamed of me and doesn't want others to know we are together. If you love him, be proud that you are with him and introduce him to friends.

Answer 6

I wouldn't walk and parade him around. I would just tour him around and if anyone walks up, you can introduce him. I f they don't walk up to you or ask, I wouldn't introduce him. It just encourages the gossip and whispering and, as the boss, that usually isn't what you want.

Answer 7

I'd say, "Everyone, I'd like you to meet my good friend Bob." and leave it at that. People aren't as gossipy if there's no mystery. As to your boyfriend's desire to be introduced, you will have and I'd explain to him that you like a personal private life and feel that calling him anything more is an intrusion into that.

Answer 8

Walk around with him, but don't introduce him as your boyfriend.

I applaud you for keeping your personal life out of the workplace! Keep it up!

Answer 9

Try this, introduce him only if you are talking to someone and he is present. It would be rude to ignore him or pretend he doesn't have a significant role in your life.

Just say, " This is Fred, my significant other" and let it go at that.

Answer 10

It would be okay to simply introduce him by name he does not need a title and for those who are nosey say you found him and decided to bring him for show and tell.