What if you broke it off with your boyfriend and spent some time as a single person? What if you went on a bunch of dates with other people, without limiting yourself to this one work crush? That seems like the right move. You say your boyfriend is sweet and romantic, but you’re not that into the relationship. It’s clear that if the work crush was ready, you’d drop your boyfriend immediately. That means you shouldn’t be with him.

Don’t stay with the boyfriend until you’re sure you’ve lined up someone else to take his place. Your work crush might be the catalyst for the breakup, but he’s not the reason it’s time to move on. This is about realizing you’re not committed, and letting a sweet, romantic person go.

Once it’s over, you can let your coworker know and see what happens – but remember, he’s not on your schedule. You say you’ve asked him “many times” about a possible relationship, but you can stop now. He knows how you feel.

The world is bigger than your office, and you can be hanging out with friends, doing your own thing, and looking for others. Give yourself space to get a better sense of what’s best for you now. There are more than two options.

– Meredith

Readers? One vs. the other?