Consider the appropriateness of an intern/supervisor romantic relationship in the context of professional ethics and company policies. Be careful how other people perceive your flirting. Other interns or co-workers may begin to question whether something is going on and if they themselves are being treated fairly. [1] X Research source
You can say, “While I’m flattered, it would be best if you toned down your affections toward me. ” For a more casual approach, say, “Let’s stop with the advances, alright? I don’t need any gossip following me here. ”
If comments seem to catch you off guard or shock you, have some responses in the ready. Say, “That’s inappropriate,” or “I’m not comfortable with you saying that. ”[3] X Research source
Clearly communicate that you wish for the advances to stop and that feelings are in no way mutual.
Say, “That’s not appropriate for work. However, I do want to hear how your meeting went with our suppliers. Please fill me in. ”
Keep all professional time together professional and make it clear you want nothing beyond a professional relationship with the intern.
Safeguard yourself from any potential problems from the intern or other workers.
You can say to the intern, “I’d like to keep our relationship professional and not personal. ”
When making changes, you do not need to mention any feelings. Just make it a work matter that you do not work well together.
Go to HR and talk about the harassment you’re experiencing. Ask about what steps to take next. Keep in mind that the tables can be turned and the intern can report you for sexual harassment whether you respond to their advances or not.
Take to human resources on how to handle the situation. They may have some advice for you on how to handle it, who else to talk to, or how to reassign the intern. You can also file a police report, if necessary.
A romantic relationship could be interpreted by outsiders as the supervisor taking advantage of their position of power over the intern. An intern may use the relationship for their own advancement or against the supervisor in the future. The supervisor will be perceived as the authority figure in the relationship and may take the blame if sexual harassment or ethical violation is dealt with in an official manner. If things do not work well between the two of you, then you have to see the person every day at work. In some situations, you may want to or need to change jobs.
You may want to keep a romance private at first to protect yourselves or to keep things between the two of you. However, be careful how far you take the relationship in this secrecy.
You may need to discuss work contracts and assess when the relationship could begin. In the meantime, do not act on your relationship while working together.
