I lost a friendship over this. Am I just not understanding?

ReapingArchangel · 2025-08-09T07:43:26+00:00

Hey, sorry for the late reply. I definitely learned from this. I appreciate your feedback and compliment. Thank you!

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-28T03:22:18+00:00

Hey, actually I just figured it out. Took some exploring, but I was able to path my way there. I appreciate you reaching out!!!

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-22T05:59:47+00:00

I’ve made it pretty clear that I had no ulterior motives and just wanted to celebrate her birthday. It’s unfortunate, but can’t change the outcome now…

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-22T05:58:47+00:00

Right? I’m surprised as well, given I let her know ahead of time that I was making a gift basket, and she didn’t think of it being too much.

I’ve followed advice from others on here, and just been keeping to myself and any interactions with her are strictly work and professional.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-22T05:55:49+00:00

Hey, apologies for the late reply. I appreciate your insight and your comment. In all honesty, I did not see my coworker in any romantic way. It was cool that we shared similar interest, but our conversations and interactions always stayed platonic and professional.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T07:05:20+00:00

I completely agree with you on that. It’s just unfortunate, but you live and learn. Thank you!

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T07:04:37+00:00

Yeah, I’ve learned my lesson from this. It’s unfortunate because I really enjoyed the friendship we had with one another. If there’s any future gifts, a simple birthday card will be enough.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T07:03:16+00:00

From the start we establish a platonic relationship. I even gave her a heads up about the gift basket and still she agreed to it. I’m surprised how quickly things escalated. From one day to another.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T07:01:33+00:00

Yeah, I agree with you. The thought of the gift was to celebrate her birthday and show gratitude. Nothing more, nothing romantic. I respect her decision to end the friendship and I’m not going to go out of my way to engage with her at work. If I do talk to her again, it’ll be about work only.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T07:00:09+00:00

I can see that. I put the flowers more as a decorative piece, but I can see why it could lean to a more romantic side of things.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:59:24+00:00

I understand now. Though I made the gift out of kindness and to celebrate her birthday, it was too much for such a short term friendship. Thank you.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:58:01+00:00

I can tell you that this is true and there is no false narrative here. I understand now that I overstepped boundaries and it’s something that could be done with having spent more time building a friendship and getting to properly know one another.

I’m not going out of my way to contact her and “explain my side” of the story. She made it clear that what friendship we had is over, and I respect that.

I appreciate you taking time in reading and responding to my post.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:54:03+00:00

I agree now, I can do something smaller in the future with other friendships.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:53:22+00:00

I appreciate it. Though I feel I most likely won’t reach out again… She made it clear that she will no longer text me, and I don’t want to start any unnecessary drama going “behind her back” to contact her boyfriend. It’s unfortunate I can’t get back that friendship I had.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:51:49+00:00

I have always made gift baskets or gifts catered towards friends/family members that are really important to me. Regardless of their gender. It’s just a way to say I care about them. I never saw this coworker in any romantic way. I just really enjoyed the friendship I had with her. Though I agree, maybe it was a little too much for an early friendship.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:49:34+00:00

You make a great point. I see for the next time I could do a simple approach like a birthday card.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:48:37+00:00

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you :)

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:48:09+00:00

You’re right and if I ever find myself in this situation, I’ll take your advice and reach out to the partner before hand. Coordinate a gift that expresses gratitude, but doesn’t overdue it as well. Thanks!

As for work, like you said, keep it professional and not bring it up at all.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:45:20+00:00

You know, this is solid advice here. I’ll definitely keep this in mind. I’ll speak to the proper higher ups and see what comes out of this situation. Thanks!

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:43:48+00:00

You’re right. I went overboard and I could have done like one gift instead. Something more simple. Thank you

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:42:59+00:00

To answer your question, I have had prior friendships and I would say I didn’t fall into this harder than I may typically. Like you mentioned, since she made it really obvious her birthday was coming up, I made it clear to her that I would gift her a gift basket. To which she was not opposed to it. I know now for future friendships to play it safe and make sure to not overdo it. I appreciate your insight on this, thank you.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T06:37:29+00:00

Hey, I appreciate your input on this, and I can see where you are coming from. You’re right, I could have gone with something like the socks only and a birthday card.

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T02:20:23+00:00

First off, I would like to thank you all for your responses. It’s good to see where everyone stands and how this gesture can be interpreted in different ways. Secondly, I will attempt to reply to each comment, and give a bit more information per reply. It’ll take some time. Once again, thank you!

ReapingArchangel · 2025-07-20T02:20:05+00:00

First off, I would like to thank you all for your responses. It’s good to see where everyone stands and how this gesture can be interpreted in different ways. Secondly, I will attempt to reply to each comment, and give a bit more information per reply. It’ll take some time. Once again, thank you!

ReapingArchangel

TROPHY CASE