10 Tips for Office Romance ...

Let’s face it: if you’re working in an office, there’s a chance that you’re going to end up in a steamy office romance. Why is there such a high probability of this? You’re spending 2/3 of each day stuck in a cubicle, which means you’re spending 2/3 of each day spent around your co-workers. After awhile you are bound to get a little… close with someone else. Let me stop you from drooling so I can continue with a warning: there might be consequences! But it is possible. All you need are a few tips to consider before you dive into a cozy office romance.

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Be Discreet

Be Discreet Photo Credit: HAMED MASOUMI

While you’re at the office, keep your PDA on the down-low. If you’re coworkers catch even a quick kiss or a suggestive smirk, they could slap a sexual harassment threat on you before you know it. Even rumors could escalate to a point where your job is threatened. This leads me to my next point.

Tell Your Boss

Tell Your Boss Photo Credit: kate_elizabeth

Before the rumors reach an all time high, privately discuss with your boss that you and a coworker are in a relationship (unless of course you're having an affair with your boss!). This will keep him/her from assuming the worst.

Frequently asked questions

Stop and Think

Stop and Think Photo Credit: Descriptimage

Before you start an office romance, think about what the consequences could be if you break up. Most inner-office nasty breakups result in one or the other leaving the job. Ask yourself, “How much do I really love my job?” and, “Is he/she important enough to me to possibly risk my job?” The answer your gut is telling you is probably the best choice. Go with it.

Research Your Companies Dating Policies

Research Your Companies Dating Policies Photo Credit: Tja'Sha ♥

Many companies frown upon inner-office dating, but as the years go by, policies are a lot more easy-going about it. It’s best to look up your companies dating policies to make sure.

Don’t Send Romantic Emails at Work

Don’t Send Romantic Emails at Work Photo Credit: be2blog_es

I know you can’t help but send a flirty little email to your honey in the cubicle down the hall, but it’s probably not a good idea, especially if you’re trying to keep the romance a secret. Company email systems aren’t very private, and your boss could go straight into your email if she/he is suspicious.

Avoid Supervisor Relationships

Avoid Supervisor Relationships Photo Credit: Ryan Brenizer

First of all, you don’t want other co-workers thinking you're seeking special attention by sleeping with the boss. Second, if the relationship turns sour, your boss could face a sexual harassment suit. If anything, have significant other with the highest rank to publicly share the relationship. This will make the relationship seem more legitimate thus creating an awkward-free atmosphere.

Don’t Forget about Your Job!

Don’t Forget about Your Job! Photo Credit: doc18

After a while it can be easy to forget the real purpose of your job — the actual “working” part. Strike a bell now? Ahh, there we go. Don’t get caught up in your new fling. Remember there is still paperwork to do, calls to make, and money to earn!

Set Some Rules

Set Some Rules Photo Credit: In My Head Studios

It’s not the most romantic part of an office romance, but it’s a smart idea. Make some guidelines over how the relationship will work and continue. How public should we be? Who should we tell? What if we break up? The answers will show how stable the relationship can be.

Look outside Your Department

Look outside Your Department Photo Credit: steffilynn!

Don’t settle for your cubicle buddy. Mingle with others at social events the company is hosting, or even at another department in the business. You never know if you will see someone with a little more personality than Richard “Bob” Dull-pants in the cubicle to the left of you.

Be Happy!

Be Happy! Photo Credit: sandra..

Being in a happy relationship means being in a happy work space. Emotions spread through people very easily, and nothing is worse than being Debby Downer ruining everyone’s day because you and your inner-office romance got in a fight.

If you’re planning on an office romance, these tips are fool-proof on keeping it healthy and safe. Also, know the difference between an office romance and actual sexual harassment. If you’re unwillingly being pursued, then it could escalate into sexual harassment, which is the last problem you want on your plate. Have any experiences with an office romance? Has it failed, has it succeeded? Share your stories!

Top Photo Credit: *northern star° {one of a kind}

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I don't think it's a good idea to have a office relationship. Personally i wouldn;t like. First seeing my partner all day at work then spending more time outside will somewhat make me feel suffocated. Not to mention i am not too good at hiding feelings.

Girls, can i just say.. speaking from experience you are wrong!! Ok so me and my boyfriend didnt stick to telling our bosses about it - it did break out into gossip after a month of dating, but 7 months down the line, we are still together and are now living together happily. We work on different departments therefore dont see each other at all in our working day apart from walking in and out of those offices doors. We're both so busy that emails are minimal at work and therefore, catch up at the end of the day as if any normal couple would do. I would completely agree it being a no no if we were on the same department but if its a different department that dont work directly with each other then theres no problem. Unless those people in the relationship create the problem. Everyone in the office is well aware of our relationship and we are both professional in the work place therefore our managers have no need to get involved in our relationship. xxx

Hmm met my boyfriend in the workplace, but we only started dating a week after he quit. Yep, checking the manual is a good idea.

I loved this post! Office realtionships can lead to difficulties for both parties. Most of the reasons are jelousy! Set some rules with the preson you like before even trying to begin a realitionship. Talk together about it and see how it goes. Most get jeloes seeing one onother speaking to opposite sex or even joking. It could get boring or difficult a life with someone hoovering all the time around you.

I would suggest checking out the Employee Manual, on how, and if, office relationships are approved. Some companies do not allow office relationships,and is a reason for being fired.

Don't have an office romance...:) It will turn bad if you don't get married. In most of the cases after the couple brakes up, one of them usually finds another job :)

oh please no! office relationships are a no no unless you're cast in Love Actually and Carl glances at you with smoldering eyes. then to heck with professionalism! :)

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