The Office UK is a British sitcom as a mockumentary that follows the working lives of employees at Wernham Hogg, a dreary paper merchant in the working class town Slough. While their jobs are fairly mundane, the friendships and relationships between the colleagues are nothing short of hilarious, intriguing, and heartwarming.
The cameras frequently pick up on one blossoming, but shy friendship between Dawn and Tim. The pair undoubtedly have feelings for each other, but because of Dawn’s engagement to Lee, nothing can happen. However, there are plenty of quotes that display exactly why Tim and Dawn were always meant for each other.
Tim
“There’s A Twenty Minute Window I’ve Got Here, It Says To Wind Up Gareth With Dawn.”
At the start of season 2, Tim’s attempt to become a more serious employee with less tomfoolery is short-lived. He seemingly tries to reject Dawn’s usual fun self for his supposed new way of conducting himself. However, he later notices her looking at him and realizes that he actually wants to carry on playing around with her.
So he takes his diary up to her desk to suggest that they both should be winding up Gareth like they usually do, normally resulting in some ridiculous Office UK quotes from Gareth. Even when Tim tries to change himself, he can’t let go of the bond he has with Dawn.
Tim
“You’re Snotty And Lovely. I’d Marry Your Snot.”
Dawn’s turbulent relationship with her fiancé Lee comes to a head in a row that leaves Dawn quite upset. Upon realizing how distressed his friend is, Tim tries to comfort her by making her laugh. Even though secretly he wants to be with her, he still attempts to make her feel better about the relationship she’s already in, because her happiness is paramount.
Dawn comments on how snotty she is and Tim responds with the joke to say that he would marry her snot. Although said in jest, the audience knows that deep down, what he’s saying is based on the truth that he would marry her.
Tim
“Never Give Up.”
Although this particular quote isn’t vocalized, it still packs a punch with heartwarming emotion and is a quote that perfectly sums up Tim’s personality. Lee and Dawn moved to the United States much to Tim’s dismay. However, for the office Christmas party, they both return and Dawn partakes in secret Santa. Unbeknownst to her, Tim is the person buying her present.
After Lee coerces her into leaving the party, (which she clearly doesn’t want to do,) she takes her present from Tim and opens it in the taxi. Tim bought her a set of paints to encourage her dreams which Lee all too often put down, with a note written on an image she sketched of him. This is the moment that solidifies what a good man Tim is and clarifies her feelings towards him.
Tim
“Were You Going To Tell Me?”
Although this quote comes directly from Tim, it also shows Dawn’s feelings towards him. Dawn and Lee were moving to America and Tim found out through the grapevine, which disheartens him because he would’ve liked to have heard it straight from Dawn, to know she cares.
The fact that Dawn didn’t tell him and the look on her face when he confronts her, proves that she was just finding it too hard to say goodbye to her close friend – the man she truly loves.
Tim
“That Feels Nice, Actually. Do A Little Bit With Your Nails.”
A tell-tale sign of two people finding mutual attraction is their constant need to be around each other at any given opportunity. Even in the first episode, the pair make it unintentionally clear they like each other. Tim is found to be sitting behind Dawn’s desk, in what is usually her seat, while she plays with his hair. She attempts to restyle it and Tim encourages her to use her nails. Tim isn’t worried about how his hair turns out, as long as it means he gets to be with Dawn and can make her laugh.
Tim
“Maybe We Could Share It.”
Tim’s birthday rolls around and he turns up to work with the gift his mother got him – a radio hat. One of Tim’s most endearing traits is that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. Therefore, wearing a ridiculous hat doesn’t faze him. Once again, he’s found a great excuse to talk to Dawn as he gives her the hat to try on.
They jokingly talk about how they could share the hat, but it’s clear that they would love to have something to share as a reason to see one another.
Dawn
“You’ve Got To Have A Kiss.”
In support of Red Nose Day, the cringy but hilarious David Brent and his employees partake in small activities around the office to raise money for the charity. Dawn decides to give people a kiss on the cheek for a pound. Tim approaches Dawn’s desk just before Lee arrives with her lunch.
After he leaves, Tim puts money into Dawn’s pot without expecting a kiss. But Dawn insists on it, resulting in a lingering kiss on the lips. Even with the constant onlooking of cameras, they just can’t resist each other.
Dawn
“And All That Talk About Like Getting On, Moving On In The World.”
Tim becomes a great source of inspiration to Dawn as he wants to better himself and become a psychologist. His supportive nature is made apparent at times when her relationship with Lee (one of The Office UK‘s worst supporting characters) is unstable. But it’s Tim’s encouragement for Dawn to continue with her dreams of being an illustrator, which is a striking factor that draws her in.
At the end of season 1, however, Tim’s feelings on himself moving on seem to have changed, as he tells Dawn he’s been promoted within the company. Dawn is left disheartened with this revelation, proving that she looks to him as more than a friend, because he provides her with hope and greater prospects.
Dawn
“Just A Couple Of Pints.”
The merging of Wernham Hogg’s Swindon and Slough branches meant new people being introduced and the chance for Tim to find someone that could help him move on from Dawn. Rachel is the employee that catches his eye and Dawn quickly notices his attraction.
When Tim tells her that he’s going to the pub with Rachel that night, she tries to subtly play down his evening out and check that it won’t be more than a couple of pints. Even though Tim has every right to do as he pleases, Dawn can’t help but feel jealous and needs to know that his relationship with Rachel won’t develop into something more serious.
Dawn
“Wanna Play With My Hair?”
Tim usually finds himself behind Dawn’s desk talking and casually flirting with her. The scene watches them laughing with each other, which becomes a regular part of The Office. As viewers had previously seen Dawn trying to style Tim’s hair, this time the roles reversed and Dawn asked Tim to play with her hair.
The somewhat childish yet sweet gesture allows them to get closer, but they’re able to disguise it as two friends just playing around. Their shared good humor and easy-going nature are just another reason they were always meant for each other.
