Jobs
Why Workplace Romance Can Be Dangerous?
By Jason Cunningham
Nov 5, 2007 - 11:25:26 PM

If you have watched television, it is likely that you have seen a show or movie that glamorizes a dating relationship in the workplace. While the idea may seem alluring, if you pursue a workplace relationship, you better make sure that it works out. Otherwise, work might become an uncomfortable environment or untrue rumors may be spread about you throughout the office by your former dating partner.

Sometimes people fall in love with fellow co-workers. You may work long hours with the person or sit across from the individual in business meetings. There is something about that person that brings a smile to your face or causes you to day dream. Still, it may not be a good idea to date this person. The individual’s work ethic that you know at the office may not be a good indication of how a dating relationship would progress between the two of you. Some good employees are not good in the dating department, whether it be due to infidelity issues or lack of patience.

Often by the time people work in the corporate world, the average individual has been involved in several dating relationships, some of which were serious. Depending on the reason for the break up, some individuals may carry emotional baggage from past relationships. These are people that you might want to avoid. Unfortunately, most adults do not show the hurt of an emotional breakup on their face while at work. Therefore, be careful if pursuing romance in the workplace.

What happens if the relationship at work does not work out? Unfortunately, you probably cannot avoid seeing this person on a daily basis. Furthermore, people at work might realize that the relationship has ended because of the cold stares between the two of you. You also should be worried about what the other person might say about you. Some people are hell bent on seeking revenge and are willing to say anything to destroy your career. In order to keep the peace, one of you might consider changing departments or leaving the company if you two cannot coexist in the same workplace.

It is usually not a good idea to date in the workplace. You can save yourself some heartache or probably advance further in your career by not dating at work. If you decide to pursue a relationship at work, it is important to establish the ground rules before you start dating. This can help ease some of the uncomfortable tension that results if the relationship does not work out.