Flirting With Customers

NoobSaibot5

Ok so there's a guy who visits my job every now and again. REALLY cute. Can't quite suss out if he's gay too, but we flirt like crazy whenever he comes in. Well, he flirts with me, and I just turn into a bag of nerves and go red and mumble like a prat. Lads very seldomly have that effect on me, normally I'm a total flirt. You can tell I like him. He's even gone as far as to memorise my name, something he so far hasn't bothered to do with any of the other waiters or staff.

I'd love to ask him out for a pint but obviously, there's that professionalism line that I don't want to cross. I like my job, I meet plenty of people from it, and it pays me well. I wouldn't want to lose it or get a bad name for dating a customer, nor would I want to make a move on him if it resulted in me getting in trouble. I've a 60-65% feeling that he is gay (can never be totally sure though, my gaydar's kinda ****) and that asking him out (in a non-work environment)would totally work, but then again it could just be those enamoured lenses I have on me hoping for the best. I'd be afraid to chat him up while I'm on the job and I can guarantee I'd be useless at it if I ever did try lol.

Is it appropriate to flirt with customers and mean it? I don't mean the whole "flirt in hopes for a tip or more business" kinda flirt, I'm on about genuinely wanting to ask them out or spend time with them. What do you do? Can you lose your job from it? Kinda flabergasted here so any advice would be welcomed. One of my friends suggested leaving my number on his receipt but I don't want to look like a creep lol.

edellc

There is nothing wrong with flirting with customers but if you think he is gay then he probably is most gay men are terrible flirts and thats just how it is....why dont you spark up a conversation with him as to what bars he goes to or suggest "god your a flirt what would your partner think if they could see us now" wink wink and maybe he will give you some more info

to be honest i dont think its right asking out a customer while your at work if you where to bump into them outside then its okay but in work it could be frowned upon and best avoided but by all means start a convo and ask relevant questions to get the info you need but with a smile and a flirty demeanour

cafecolour

Honestly, I think this is why, back before the internet and even widespread gay bars, a lot of gay men were in the service industry/hospitality (i.e. hotels, flight attendant, etc.). The only way to find fellow gays was to meet lots and lots of guys and see who flirted.

How much time do you have to chat with him when he comes in? I.e. enough to find a topic of interest and say 'Oh I'd love to talk to you about that further if you want to meet for coffee sometime (or - I get off work at 10P).

NoobSaibot5

I've literally less than 5 minutes. In most cases it's a flying visit and it's very seldom it's just the two of us there without other colleagues or customers around.

edellc

if its just the two of you there and no other staff member or customer then go for it, from your post you want to so I don't think it matters what is said on here , your heart is ruling this one and I suppose if you dont ask you wont know and whats the worst that can happen awkwardness, embarrassment and a no, feck it at least you will then know either way and awkwardness and embarrassment go away and hey it could be a yes you never know

good luck op and keep us posted on what happens (really hope its a yes for you ) love and hugs xxx