The chemistry with a guy at work is undeniable, so why does he blank me?

DEAR DEIDRE: THE sexual chemistry with a guy at work is palpable when we are alone but when we are out as a group, he blanks me.

I’m a gay guy of 31 and he’s 34. I think he’s gay too but don’t know for sure. I’ve talked to him about gay clubs I’ve been to but you don’t need to be gay to go there.

We’ve had some great times together, grabbing a sandwich if we happen to go out of the office together or sometimes chatting in the gym.

But when there’s a bowling night or somebody’s birthday, if he sees my name down on a list to go, he declines or when we are together in a group, he avoids me.

He’ll always buy his own drinks too, so that he can make a quick exit.

I’m so confused.

DEIDRE SAYS: My guess is that this guy is gay but he’s not out yet and doesn’t want you spilling the beans so he avoids talking to you when you’re out with others from work.

If you like him and think you could make a go of things, get in touch and ask whether he’d like to go with you to a concert or to a film you’d like to see.

If he accepts, you can explain that there’s no pressure but you like him and you want to find out more about where you stand.

It sounds as if he’s more comfortable around you when there is no audience. Good luck.