Do you have a crush on your colleague? There's a good chance this is a convenience crush

In the fast digital world we live in, being single is a tough world. The chance that you first end up in a number of situationships instead of a relationship is significantly high. And the chance that these fail is also considerable. This is also the moment when you start looking around. Suddenly, that neighbor three doors down seems quite nice. Or what about that colleague you always arrive at work with at the same time? That could also be something. But whether it’s true love? That’s another story.

This ‘practical’ infatuation has a name: a convenience crush. This term, coined on TikTok, describes the romantic feeling you can develop for someone who primarily fits practically into your life. We can hardly speak of a case of ‘love at first sight’, but rather of an attraction that has grown because you see that person daily. It develops in a very natural way and often gives a positive twist to your day. Through daily interaction with that person, you have something to look forward to and it can make your day just a bit more pleasant.

There are a few examples of a convenience crush. The first, and also the most common, is your colleague. There’s a good chance that you spend time with your colleague from nine to five in the same space every day. You work together, you eat together, and you know what’s going on in that person’s life. Another classic is the personal trainer. Every week you attend your class where your instructor encourages you positively. Slowly but surely, you start looking forward to that little moment together and their presence makes the class much more bearable. But it can also be as simple as the bartender at your go-to pub. Every Friday night, the same bartender — who knows your order before you even have to say it — is pouring your vino. Bam: a convenience crush.

The science behind this is as follows: people are naturally inclined to feel attracted to individuals they see often. The more time you spend with someone, the more attractive you find that person. This is called the ‘mere exposure effect,’ where people develop a preference for individuals simply because they seem familiar to us.

But just like everything in life, a convenience crush has its downsides. Although it may make your workday a bit more exciting, it’s difficult to express your feelings to this person. You could of course do it (kudos to you), but if it doesn’t turn out the way you hope, it leads to a lot of confusion. Oh, and a dose of awkwardness. After all, you’ll still see this person daily.

Are you still unsure if the other person is into you too? These are all the signs that someone is in love with you.