Work Place Relationships - is it a good idea?
As we spend a majority of our years at work, there’s no wonder that most of us at some time or another are confronted with this notion of a work place relationship or even fling? It may be a co worker, the manager or even the big boss of the company. As much as we sometimes think its all innocent and a bit of harmless fun, it always seems to end in tears.
In my late teens, I worked in retail for a national company. I was always very professional but on two occasions I fell for two of my work colleagues. The first was Mark. There was always a joke at work that Mark and I were the ‘Wedding Singer’ couple – he looked like Adam Sandler and I very much looked like Drew Barrymore. It was inevitable but we did end up dating. It made things at work very hard though – we was a senior team leader and I was below him, so he took advantage of bossing me around which I didn’t take to very well. It caused problems in our relationship and eventually we broke it off. It was too awkward at work between us so I decided to leave and move to another store. We did stay friends but it hasn’t been the strongest of all relationships.
My next relationship was a little more intense. I was still at this same company but at a different store. About a year in, we got a new boss! He was strikingly handsome, a sweet talker and I immediately took a fancy to him. We ended up dating and before long we couldn’t keep our hands off each other, including at work! After three months I came to my senses and realized from my previous mistake that dating in the workplace was not such a great idea. I broke it off and even though I thought we could be professional about it – he made my life hell and I ended up leaving the company.
That didn’t stop me dating work colleagues. I have done it over the last few years and from my own experience, each time it ended quite dramatically and not well for either parties. Let’s just say I have learnt my lesson and plan never to date inside the workplace again!
But this is not to say it doesn’t work for some. Many couples have met at work and have managed to sustain a healthy relationship in and out of the workplace. If it’s something you are thinking about or that you are confronted with here’s a few tips how to make it work:
1.Always keep it professional – meaning no hanky panky in the store room, emails of a sexual nature or flirting or touching in front of fellow colleagues
2.Before jumping into a relationship – talk about how it may end. Neither of you would should leave just because the relationship has ended so come up with some sort of agreement of what is it happen if the relationship is to end
3.If things aren’t working out in the workplace with your partner but you really are in love, one of you may need be prepared to move to keep the relationship alive
4.Keep your lover tiffs at home – don’t ever bring them to work
5.Same goes for bringing work home – this is your together time, so value it and keep work stress in the workplace
These are just a few – perhaps you are in or have been in a workplace relationship? How has it worked out for you? Do you have a tip of how to have a successful workplace relationship? Do you even agree with having relationships at work?
AFL Central
Also I think its important not to let yourself be affected by office gossip
Obviously people don't have anything better to do!!!
But do you think people deserve to be talked about if they decide to have an office romance?
AFL Central
Have you ever had a workplace relationship?
AFL Central
I don't think you should dismiss the potential love of your life just because you work with the, but yeah I'd definitely consider it- need to be dating again
Peace
Blogtommy
You're a great example that office romances do work - if you're professional about it!
Thanks for your comments!
You have been a loyal reader of my blog and now I want to help you out!!!
AFL Central
They are very fun and you'll meet some great people! Even if you don't find love you will meet new friends!
You have nothing to lose!
AFL Central
Your sweet
I wish I could live by the rule, "Never shit where you eat". Unfortunately, there's really no way you can avoid being attracted to someone if you work with them. I've been in a couple of relationships with women I've worked with, one of them went fairly smoothly but the other one was a train wreck - testament to our ages and the environment in which we were employed.
You have interesting insights. Keep throwing 'em out there, I'll keep reading 'em.
Adrian
Questionable Content
I should've been more reserved toward the relation we were living... living and learning...
WHATEVER
I figure friendship is a sure thing and once you leave or they do, jump them then