I (27F) started a new job 6 months ago, but am now wondering how to deal with the feelings I have developed for a male colleague who has become a close friend. We clicked instantly and have the same sense of humour, so we began to spend time together outside of the office, just us two. When we first met, I was on the dating scene and navigating the online dating highs and lows, whilst he was (and still is) single and waiting for the right person to come along. I am now in the early stages of a relationship but feel that, despite my partner's best efforts, something is missing.
My colleague often asks how things are between me and my partner, and I've noticed that he's been getting more tactile (poking me in the ribs, touching my nose to "annoy" me). Various people at the workplace have asked if we are together and he jokes about them being "happy for us." We both have said how we haven't ever met anyone with whom we've had such an instant connection so, whatever our relationship is, it feels special.
I have always applied a strict "no dating at the office" rule, and I think this should be the same, especially given the small size of the company. However, how is the best way to deal with such a situation? Any ideas?