"Julia had emailed her boyfriend a document to print, ending her note with, "I love you! Please print this for me! Thanks," and a red heart emoji. To which he formally responded: "Julia, thanks for reaching out. I have received your document and printed it on 8" x 11" paper. Will deliver to you later this evening to be signed. Thank you.""
"Of course, Julia responded as any girlfriend would. "Are you breaking up with me?" she emailed back. To which he wrote: "Keeping things professional. Just wanted to confirm that I have followed up on your request. Best regards." Some speculated that his emails are likely monitored, hence the professionalism. "That is a man who is locked tf in at work," one wrote. Others recognized the screenshots for what they are: a funny bit. And it turns out, many people apparently do this."
"Another added: "Something about office speak with loved ones is so funny." Julia is not the only one who has found herself colleague-zoned. Another TikTok creator recently shared a screenshot of her text exchanges with her "finance bro" husband. "Just got 2026 HC enrollment presentation. Let's get lunch/coffee again this weekend and discuss next year," he texted. "Just sent to our Gmail's so you can review ahead of time.""
A woman emailed her boyfriend a document to print and signed off with "I love you" and a heart; he replied with a formal, professional confirmation noting receipt, printing on 8" x 11" paper, and planned delivery for signature. She responded jokingly, and he maintained a professional tone, citing follow-up. Observers suggested workplace monitoring or deep work focus as causes and found the exchange humorous. Other examples show partners routinely using office-style language with loved ones, illustrating how professional boundaries blur as work continues to bleed into personal life.
Read at Fast Company
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