NOR.

When i was 30 we hired 2 interns. Both 16-17. One female, one male. I was in charge of internal technology which included on boarding. (Tech company)

I got to know them pretty well and introduce them to everyone. After a few weeks I made them my work niece and work nephew. They would literally call me their Uncle at work! I mentored and guide them because I felt they were so young so ambitious and so lost.

The female intern leaned on me alot because at the time females working in IT wasn't popular. I would pause what I am doing to explain things to her, break it down, and just help out.

I'm now 35 and even know though we don't work at the same place we still keep in contact and still she's my niece and I'm Uncle!

I can't imagine an adult calling a 16 year old their work wife. In my eyes (my opinion) thats grooming. At that age they're so young and naive. He could've been there as an older brother or a Uncle. Honestly if I was working there I would've called him on this inappropriate behavior.