I work at a retail job part time in between college semesters. Recently I’ve been trying to practice casual flirting with one of my coworkers. She’s a stunning, petite but fit, woman who is about 38-40. I’m 22 and I find her as attractive as many girls around my age. Anyway, since I’ve worked in the same store as her for a couple of years, I’ve know her somewhat. We didn’t talk too much besides casual weekend talk for almost the entire time I knew her. This has been changing recently.

On Monday, we were talking in her department and she brought up the fact i look like I’ve been hitting the gym. I thanked her and held the convo for a few more minutes before I went back to work. Today, I decided to add a bit of boldness to my day at work. Mid conversation with the same coworker, I complimented her on looking great. I asked what she’s been doing exercise wise and she said nothing special but thanked me. She also again said I was looking fit after I made the compliment. The positive body language and constant smiling on her side made me feel so alive.

So later in my shift, I go back to her department because I have product to put on the shelves there. She’s in the same aisle as me and normally, she doesn’t initiate conversations but this time she did.

Her: So what are you doing for July 4th? Probably nothing with quarantine going on.

Me: Yeah not a whole lot going on for me most likely. You got plans with the family + husband?

Her: I’m not sure yet, I might have to work that day.”

(Two more minutes of random convo)

Me: Hey, once restrictions open to indoor bars, let’s say me and you grab a drink sometime? (Our state is still under heavy restrictions for the most part)

Her: big smile That sounds like a lot of fun, I’d love to!

I’m just happy I did this, because 18 year old would have looked down and never said a word. Thanks for the advice of being the friendly guy and giving fun times rather than taking. Hopefully I can follow through :)