How to make awkward situations at work

I am a very friendly person and sometimes my awesome conversation skills come off as flirting (sometimes it is, I admit, but I know the difference). This sometimes gets be into awkward situations; for example, at my work. My job is customer service. I’m great at it. These stories are awkwardly terrible on their own, so I’m not going to spend too much time on the buildup. Today’s subject: how my awesome customer service skills got me into trouble twice in one week.

I am a huge NY Giants fan, as you may know by now. Not many people I work with are into football so when someone comes into my store who is, I’m always excited because I have someone to talk football with. I happened to meet a fellow Giants fan one day at work who I got to talking with. While showing me pictures of the games he’s been to (I don’t even know how that happened), he came across a few pictures with his ex-wife. How do I know she was his ex-wife you ask? He gave it away when he said “that’s my ex-wife, ugh I hate her. She’s the worst.” I’m paraphrasing, this happened a few months ago, but that’s basically what he said. I said I was super jealous he went to all these football games (obviously) and sent him on his way. Before I go any further, I should say something. When I’m backed into a corner or put on the spot, I freeze and don’t know how to lie. This guy called my store later that night after close, asking for me. He asked if I seriously wanted to go to a football game and said “I’m at the airport, but I may have an extra ticket if you want to go with me and my friends. Should I call you at work or can I have your number?” Oh my God. I thought dear god please don’t call for me at work I’ll never hear the end of it (ok, I may or may not flirt with more customers than I like to admit, don’t make a big deal of it, I wasn’t flirting with him). So not thinking, I gave him my number. I was put on the spot. I ignored any texts from him, so I assume he things I fake numbered him. You are old and bitter about your divorce and no I’m not going to a football game with an old, bitter stranger and his friends. The very same week, it happened again. A regular customer of mine who tipped me almost five bucks slipped me his email before leaving the store. He wrote: we should grab a drink sometime, send me an email; hope this isn’t too forward. Yes, sir, it is too forward. You are old and I’ve seen you in my store with your wife.