Things can get tricky when it comes to dating a coworker. Even though every advice column across the globe will advise against it, sometimes an attraction is too strong to ignore. When this happens, you’ll have to act responsibly or face turning your workplace into a very uncomfortable zone. Whether you’re a man or a woman, dating in the workplace or business colleagues can be complicated. Here’s what you need to know.
Don’t Go Gaga
It might be tough not to hug, kiss, or squeeze a new lover in the office, but you should avoid this temptation at all costs. Chances are that your other colleagues will catch on to the attraction between the two of you eventually, but there’s no reason to give people something juicy to talk about.
Instead, play it cool when you see each other, and act as you acted before you started dating. Storage closet rendezvous can be spicy, though it’s best to keep your love under wraps when it’s work time. It’s also a good idea not to disclose your relationship if you don’t have to.
See Where it Goes
Before you start doodling your new love’s name on your desk calendar, see where the relationship is going. It’s easy to want to tell everyone about a new relationship (especially if it’s a great one), but this is far from the best idea. Some office relationships eventually turn into marriage proposals, though others don’t last for more than two weeks.
If you start spouting off about your new lover now, you will feel more than a slight flush when you have to face your other coworkers after you break up. Agree to keep your relationships hushed until you both decide that there’s nobody else in the universe you’d rather be with – even then, don’t turn your office into a place of romance.
Know Who to Tell
Unless your company has a stringent “no dating coworkers” policy, it’s a wise idea to know what office protocol is when it comes to dating. Find out who you need to tell about your relationship first (usually your boss), and then set a meeting between the three of you. During your meeting, make sure to point out how dating your coworker will not get in the way of your work.
If you happen to be dating a superior, your company may have a strict policy against this type of relationship. In this case, take extra steps to make sure that you don’t get caught. If you see the relationship moving to the next level, consider looking for a new job before you go public.
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