part of our job at Kroger is to engage our customers and provide a friendly place for them shop. when we have regulars, we develop a kind of relationship with them. i know most of my regulars by name and i know their kids. the kids come up to me at my son's school and give me hugs because they know me. their parents are friendly to me because their kids like me. i cannot tell you how many times i have been asked out by my male customers because i smile at them, or remember their names more than once.

i am sorry that your feelings are hurt. the reality is, he very well might be gay and is uncomfortable with the thought that you have romantic feelings for him. if you really want to continue the friendship with this young man, then you need to approach him, let him know his co-worker spoke with you and that you understand his personal preferences. continue to be nice to him. if you do not want to continue the friendship with him, then move on. unless this guy asked you out or made it obvious that he wanted to date you, your assumption that he was 'leading you on' was probably in your own imagination. sorry.