Love knows no boundaries

Some say it's the secrecy which gives the adrenaline rush behind office romances. And there are some who reckon one can't choose who they fall in love (or maybe lust?) with.

Now it's established that companies usually discourage or ban office dating out of fear that such relationships could negatively affect productivity, create favouritism issues, and lead to sexual harrasment and lawsuits...although it's uncertain what the stance is where the civil service is concerned regarding this issue but as it's late, I'm not going to dwell too much on this..though I suppose this too could be applicable to some extent..but again, not going to ponder on this.

However not even employers can top one of the most elemental power in nature..and I have seen a number of examples where it is possible to mix romance AND work together and still come out trumps in both departments:

• Date someone who you already have a relationship with. One will have some form of trust if one has a working relationship before a date. However!! if you must date a cute chick in another department, take things slow as this will help to determine whether the both of you have some emotional maturity (emphasis on MATURITY) to handle a workplace relationship.
• Be honest. When dating people at work, you need to have similar expectations about where the relationship is going (is it a long-term relationship? or simply a fling?) and make sure either one communicate to the other from the start.
• Set boundaries. Are you going to tell anyone about the relationship? Will the both of you be discussing matters at work or work matters on a date? Most importantly, if you had fight the night before, leave it at home - your employer din't pay you to fall in love (nor fight!!) and no-one wants to know your personal issues (and that includes your petnames for each other!?!)
  
• Break up gently. You must be wondering why this is included especially if you're still at the getting-to-know-each-other stage..but let me tell you, discussing how you will handle a breakup from the beginning will make your lives easier and less stressful. Oh, and if you should break it up, don't wait till Monday, do it on a Friday!!
  

Ultimately whatever it is, should anyone choose to embark on this path, whether it be a secret affair or 'new' relationship, take the time to step back to think about it especially any pitfalls you might encounter along the way (think..nasty rumours, snickerings behind your back, accusations of favouritism..)..and when I say think, I don't mean thinking with your heart/balls. Sometimes office romances mask compatibility issues, i.e. you may make great work partners BUT terrible love partners and that's where problems will surface over time!

..so take heart people, while office romances can be exciting, be smart about it and keep your eyes open at all times.