Categories: CareerRamblings

6 Ways To Make An Office Romance Work

Most people have either dated a co-worker or have thought about pursuing a co-worker, but there seems to be an underlying hesitance to do so because of the “sexual harassment” fear. It is perfectly okay to ask a co-worker on a date as long as you do not make them feel uncomfortable or imply that it will affect their status at the company. The reality is that it is very common for co-workers to date co-workers, managers to date employees, and CEO’s to date secretaries. Bill Gates even met his wife, Melinda French when she was a Microsoft employee.

Office Dating Guidelines

  1. Do NOT repeatedly ask the same co-worker to go on a date if they have said no once.
  2. Develop a personal relationship before you develop an office relationship. It takes an extra layer of due diligence on your potential mate if you share the same work environment. Be sure to know each other well prior to getting involved so you know the potential consequences.
  3. Start out slowly. You want to start the work-place relationship slowly because you do not want it ending on a sour note. If you get to know each other well and take things slowly in the beginning, the chances of a bad ending are lessened.
  4. Agree to set up relationship rules. A rule could include “no flirting at work”.
  5. Do not be afraid to address “sexual harassment”. It is always good to be open and honest when communicating. Talk about all issues that you might keep in the back of your mind.
  6. Be ready to address the rumors! Rumors of your work-place relationship will most likely get out. Be ready to address them with your employer if necessary but do not be afraid. Tell him/her the truth about the relationship and that you two will keep your relationship professional at the office. Make your employer feel as comfortable as possible with the relationship and everything should be fine.

Related Post:

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Career Ramblings

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  • So who’s the apple of your eye at the office John? hahaha! Great Post! I need to move to a bigger office for me to apply these tips though!

    • Good thing it’s not me!!! hahahaha…sorry, had to throw that in!!!

  • I’ll add a rule :
    7. Make more use out of the storage room or the janitor room if available. May as well fill your fantasies about a quickie at the office while you have the chance.

      • Ah! I can’t believe you beat me to adding this very rule! I will add this though …
        7b. Don’t get busted “looking for supplies” in the supply room.

  • Tried it. Didn’t end well. Although, I wouldn’t be against it. It was primarily because she was a….hey, look at that. A bird outside my window.
    Anyway…where was I? Oh yeah…love Rule #7, Jeff.

  • Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.
    It’s really easy to get infatuated with a co-worker because it seems that they care about the same things that you do when in reality, work may be the only thing you have in common.
    I’ve seen too many people throw away marriages for an office fling.
    Having said all of that… Dan and I met at the office :-).

    • Yes, I completly agree with you guys. It’s some dangerous grounds you walk messing with people at work…make sure its worth it if someone happens to figure it out

  • Hey Jeff,
    LOL - very powerful rule there. You can always spot a true at heart entrepreneur and free spirit by their risk tolerance.
    Something that I too have been blessed with, just ask Jennifer.
    Years from now you’ll care less about losing that job and more about the adventure you had. And you’re virtually guaranteed to smile.
    Have an awesome day!
    Dan

    • eh. I dont work in offices, I have my own busienss and I go meet people.
      I shamelessly flirt with receptionists (if any). I’m not bound by the HR regulations whatsoever. As long as I stay away from the bosses daughter… but then, one contract lost over it might be worthwhile.

  • I’d say, it’s not worth your career. Chances are, it will turn ugly, and someone will have to leave.
    If you can’t find someone outside of work, you got no game.

    • I’ve had to leave work once before, this girl I worked with went loco!

  • Hey Scotty,
    I can see your point, but donno… every situation is unique, and it may just be worth it. That whole “many shades of gray” thing.
    As a rule of thumb, I think there’s always at least a 30% chance of game.
    Have an awesome day!
    Dan

    • It’s all about getting the courage to step off the bench…those that don’t well, that’s where the 70% come come in.

      • That’s ridiculous. I’ve got game, and hooking up with a woman at work doesn’t necessarily equal “no game”. I’ve only had 1 experience, but why wouldn’t you take an opportunity if it fell in your lap? The opportunity, not the girl. Just so we’re clear on that.

  • 7c. If you get busted by your hot superior, well, you got nothing to lose - invite her in. If she refuses.. well. Nothing lost, she would have fired you anyways.

      • Aha! So this is why everyone has always prodded me to get a job and be ‘gainfully employed’.
        I feel so deprived by being a freelancer now.
        (Comments wont nest below this level)

  • Funny story :
    I was quite flirty with my manager at my last corporate job, and she was a hot lil thing. Anyhow, one day she was plugged into my phone, listening in on a call (they do that for quality control at call centres), and while we were waiting for a call on a slow day, i noticed she dropped her receipt from the grocery store.
    I just picked it up, and started reading them out loud just to bug her as she was glaring at me - and i guess Freud had a point, without even realizing it, I read out..
    “cucumbers… bananas… carrots..”
    And then my coworker on the next booth met my eyes, he gave me a horrified look, and I realized my mistake and I stopped abruptly. She didn’t mind though.

    • lol, did you end up going anywhere with her?
      It reminds me a lot of Michael Scott and Jan Levinson from the Office.

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