Simply friendly flirts, or actually interested?

[Wheeljack]

I apologize beforehand if this is a rather long post, but I'll try to keep it as brief as possible.

There is a coworker of mine who I suspect likes me, fortunately, I find her very attractive. Though I'm afraid it's simply my perception, rather than reality. I'm in my early 20's, and she's in her mid-20's. There have been several occasions where she would come from behind and 'tickle' my back, which makes me jump since I'm a ticklish person (while she is not). She gets a kick from my reaction every time. There has also been moments where she has either randomly rubbed my back without asking, or touch my arm while asking a question about something work related, prolonged eye contact, usually smiles whenever we walk by each other.

These are some general examples, but there have been situational ones as well. She's offered me to come with her to visit another coworker in the hospital, asked if I was going out with the other coworkers to drink at the bar afterwork, asked if I liked kids and if I got married how many I would like to have, etc.

Problem is, she's explained to me over a normal conversation that she 'prefers' men who are in their late 20's and early 30's. Of course she's open to other possibilities (and has), but I'm afraid since I don't fit into her 'prefered' age criteria, my chances are slim. I forgot to make mention, due to past experiences, she no longer 'pursues men', but prefers it the other way around.

So my question: Is this simply a series of friendly flirts amongst two coworkers, or is she really interested in me to one extent or another?

Thank you so much (in advance), and again, I apologize for the lengthly post.

[ShesInCleveland]

First off -- someone who is ticklish is the BEST THING EVER. Especially if they're a guy.

Secondly -- touching is not necessarily a universal sign of flirtation. I'm a spa tech by profession and part of that means appreciating the human touch, not sexually, but as a comfort. It all depends on how you're raised or really how much human contact you're used to.

But...
The fact that she discussed without her dating preferences...she even told you that she wanted to be pursued. That is a huge sign in your favor. As in, "Its a shame that I like older men. Its also a shame that I'm setting up these road blocks in order for you to hurdle over them. Geeze, I wish someone would."

Women are tricky beasties, so I cant give you a definite, but I think its worth a shot. Just dont ask her out via email. [Remember, those guy's closing in on their 30's came before the Text generation. Just savvy things up a bit.]

[Wheeljack]

Originally Posted by ShesInCleveland

First off -- someone who is ticklish is the BEST THING EVER. Especially if they're a guy.

Secondly -- touching is not necessarily a universal sign of flirtation. I'm a spa tech by profession and part of that means appreciating the human touch, not sexually, but as a comfort. It all depends on how you're raised or really how much human contact you're used to.

But...
The fact that she discussed without her dating preferences...she even told you that she wanted to be pursued. That is a huge sign in your favor. As in, "Its a shame that I like older men. Its also a shame that I'm setting up these road blocks in order for you to hurdle over them. Geeze, I wish someone would."

Women are tricky beasties, so I cant give you a definite, but I think its worth a shot. Just dont ask her out via email. [Remember, those guy's closing in on their 30's came before the Text generation. Just savvy things up a bit.]

Really appreciate the response, thank you.

Unfortunately, I just found out today that she's been seeing another guy for about a week now. She's really into him a lot, and they already are starting to take it to another level. Oh well, I lost this one.

I'll get over it.

[ShesInCleveland]

That sucks.
On the bright side, you know where you stand.
And you dont have to go through the mess of dating a co-worker. Kind of a "You dont s--t where you eat" sort of deal. Never a smart move.
Good luck!