E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSThe flowers are starting to wilt and the balloons are starting to droop. It’s the day after Valentine’s Day, and chances are someone around your office is feeling at least a little bit heartbroken.
Hopefully it’s not because of the person sitting in the cubicle across the way.
A post this week finding that nearly 4 in 10 people had dated a co-worker got many readers talking about their own office romances, or lack thereof.
The majority readers who took our survey said they and their co-workers mostly stick to work around the office – these days. But many admitted that they had initially met their love of their lives while also earning their wages.
“I had one office romance 22 years ago ... we've been married now for 20 years,” one reader wrote.
Related: Are you working for minimum wage?
Others conceded that their office romances had caused quite a stir, even when they worked out.
“I met my husband at work. It was quite scandalous at the time, but we both have different jobs now,” one reader wrote.
Still, many readers said they try to look for love outside of the office,
“No no. If you break up you still have to see her every day,” one reader said.
Another remembered taking Dad’s advice on this one.
“I remember my father telling me that '"You DON'T dip your pen in the company ink." Sounded like wise policy to me,” the reader wrote.
Leave a Comment:
I think that the 4 in 10 number is pretty low. That aside, I think that 9 in 10 have been interested in a co-worker, and also makes things awkward.
People being jerks is what this is about. Whether it is politely declining, taking no for an answer, getting over jealousy, or getting over possesiveness, it isn't the office that is the problem.
It is the people.
Work place romances bad idea. Most don't work out and you are then stuck with running into the person everyday. Awkward. You ladies especially, dress professionally and not like you're going to a party if you want your co-workers to take you seriously about the job and not see you as a air-head sex symbol.
I met my husband at work. When we started dating, some of the other women in our workplace were happy to stir up drama, so I quit and found another job. We've been together for five years now and married for one year next month. If people weren't so quick to gossip and couples could keep it professional, it wouldn't be such a big deal.
people need to grow up and act like adults. too bad you had to quit.
There are a whole host of ethical and "appearance" issues that can arise from not only dating people in the office, but working with relatives. I work in the financial industry, so it's easy to see what these might be when working with money, but this can apply to any company. Even with totally moral individuals who would never do something wrong, the outside appearance can be disturbing to clients - not to mention if something goes wrong with the company, regulators/government and the news will have a field day with your personal life. Internal gossip should be the least of one's worries.
That said, there are many people in the financial world who meet their future spouses/partners at work. Generally, one of them quickly moves to another institution. It is unreasonable to expect single adults to never be looking for a life partner, or even just a date. But, when such a thing happens, one of the individuals should quickly change jobs. If that seems an unlikely option, it's best to pass or wait until it becomes possible.
Sometimes, it's just about protecting yourself.
Corporate HR policies need to get out of love control. People who spend time together will likely develop feelings. companies pay a person for their work.....not for control of their lives.
As for the running into an x problem at work.....grow up people. If you are truly an adult a break up should land you as friends again. but then so many dont know how to be adults.
I did not meet my wife of 23 years at work.....I met her in a bar.....another place everyone to meet that everyone thinks is a bad idea. Again, grow up!
I met my husband of 15 years in high school. . . where we both teach. The only thing teenagers like better than juicy romance gossip is some about their teachers! However, two mature adults who know how to behave themselves at work can still fall in love an have a relationship, and be good role models for others. We have worked together our entire friendship, dating, courtship, and marriage. It isn't always easy, but anything worth having comes with hard work!
I bang my secretary all the time.
I worked at Sam's Club for some time. Happens all the time. And certain attractive females seem to rise to the top rather quickly.