Dear Abby: I am a 29-year-old gay man. In my community, coming out at work isn't an option. I really like my job and want to keep it. However, a female colleague is not only trying to persuade me that the two of us would make a good pair, but she has gotten all of our co-workers involved. I'm constantly pressured by my supervisor to "just go out with her and give her a chance."

I have already told everyone, including her, that I'm not interested in mixing my personal life with my professional one, and I want to come to work only to work -- not upgrade my marital status. However, because of my unwillingness to do what they "recommend," the pressure from everyone has gotten worse. I dread coming to the office.

Would it be unethical to hire a "girlfriend" to stop by the office next week to bring me my lunch? Maybe if I kiss and hug her as I say goodbye, my co-workers will finally back off. If not this, can you recommend something else? – Can't Come Out in Texas