(Image source from: Dos and donts of office romance})
Dating someone in office is one of the most common facts about modern day relationship. Office romance can be risky as well as exciting. The possibilitity of flirtations in the copy room to a cozy evening, sharing drinks after work, sounds very enthralling. At the same time there could be issues like your reputation being at stake or the endless gossip your relationship could foment in office.
Office romance is here to stay as both men and women spend a considerable part of their life in their workplace. So it's quite natural that unattached men and women may develop liking for each other. With a few precautions in mind, your office romance could lead you to the aisle.
Rule 1: Before you start dating someone from office make it a point to give some thoughts on what would happen if the relationship doesn't work. Who will be impacted? Do you have the same clients? In case you break up do you think the loyalities of people who report to you will be tested.?
Rule 2: Avoid dating someone who reports to you directly. Such relationships are vulnerable to a sexual harassment suit, even when they are consensual.
Rule 3: As far as possible avoid talking about the relationship with your co-workersas as it would lead to gossips. Most co-workers would like to know the details of your relationship, and no matter what you say, they will judge you.
Rule 4: Keep the relationship under wraps as as long as possible. It's really satisfying and exciting to be in a relationship, in which only the two of you have knowledge of.
Rule 5: Take time in your relationship when it comes to moving from one stage to the next. No doubt both of you have a lot in common - from working in the same company to sharing colleagues. But emotionally and on a personal level, you are literally strangers.
Rule 6: All of us have a public persona in office. Don't change it once you start dating, especially during meetings when your partner is present in the room. This is especially important in the early days of your relationship as all eyes will be on both of you. Keep consistency in your behaviour. If you have always disagreed with your partner in meetings, then don't start start agreeing suddenly.
Rule 7: Avoid traveling together for office tours as it can lead to uncomfortable questions.
Rule 8: Once the relationship progresses, start checking with each other whether it's time to make professional change. In case you are in a serious relationship you should start looking for a new job.
(AW: Pratima Tigga)
