How To Handle Office Romance [2]
When in a workplace people grow bonds with their co-workers that go beyond just friendly ‘lunch’ meetings. They grow in-depth relationships that deepen into romance. A place where people share a common interest, and spend most of their time, provides the perfect opportunity for love. While love can make one do crazy things, it is important to keep a clear mind and realize the pros and cons to developing a relationship with a co-worker.
An added complication is that one or both partners involved in an office romance may be married or in a relationship outside of the workplace. Co-workers aware of an adulterous workplace relationship may become uncomfortable, viewing themselves as party to the deceit.
Nevertheless, here are a few tips of how to stay professional while handling office romance.
4. Set Boundaries
Keep your work out of your romance and your romance out of your work. The amount of time spent on redirecting everyone’s speculations on the romance can be counterproductive and exhausting. When you set boundaries from the start, if the romance ends, you’ll already be in the habit of keeping your work and private lives separate, so the breakup will be less traumatic for both of you and all your colleagues.
5. Be Careful With E-mails
E-mail communications present a new challenge to discretion in business relationships. There is something about e-mail that makes men and women let down their guards, so before hitting the send button on your computer, reread your message and make sure that it is appropriate for a business environment.
6. Be Discreet
That means keep your hands off each other at work. Public displays of affection cross the line. It may sound harsh, but when couples get used to showing their feelings and emotions in front of colleagues, it can be hard to control them next time there’s trouble in paradise. Being affectionate in front of others at work creates an unprofessional atmosphere, and having a personal fight in the office is embarrassing for everyone.
