Baso, I’m a female, and I work in a small team for a social & care based job (which is generally very expressive and sensitive team compared to other job fields). two men I work with (one married and one gay) are honestly just great people to work with, and Im struggling to figure out a dynamic to express that appropriately? This week has been particularly stressful for one of them in their personal life, and Im aware I make their workload a lot larger because of having to take sick leave for a health condition without warning. They often have to multitask and take on my loose ends on top of their own tasks. but they do it with understanding and look out for me, checking im okay, and being so kind and encouraging. I’d really like to express how I see them doing that and thank them ? but sometimes I feel like we communicate on such different wavelengths. They have expressed uncomfortableness at direct vulnerability like being asked if they’re okay (which as a woman, at least in my circles is a surprise). therefore, generally, I keep a lot of my thoughts in the moment of “wow, I really respect you” and “I think you led/handled that well” private, as to respect their space and not be too touchy-feely. however, I don’t want resentment to build or to just be stone cold towards them, during a stressful period if I seem ungrateful and don’t reciprocate the kindness? They say they’re so direct because they know the women in their life appreciate it but don’t like it back. I’d love to figure out how to express my gratitude and how much I genuinely value and respect them as brothery/uncle-like figures to me. especially given all we see online about male mental health! but in a PLATONIC and appropriate, comfortable way, respecting their space and different communication styles. So, knowing not all men are the same, men of reddit, any general pointers? How would you appreciate a woman encouraging you and expressing gratitude in a clearly platonic way? submitted by /u/littleelemon
Originally posted by u/littleelemon on r/AskMen