Not all office romances are a bad idea

I was beaming while watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Jake and Amy—two detectives of the 99th Precinct of the New York City Police Department in Brooklyn—fall in love while they resolved crimes together. There’s something about an office romance that strikes a chord with me. But I didn’t need the show to make me realise that. My parents are a living example of the edgy and cute, but sometimes frowned upon, workplace romance. They started dating each other at work and a few years later, tied the knot. Today, when most of us spend almost half of our waking hours at our workplace, it’s difficult to find the time to find love. Where else does then one try to find love? 

Having your partner in the same office makes things cute and yes, convenient. But it isn’t all that easy. When you get too much of their time and always see them around, there are chances of things going more wrong than right. Here, we have put together all the things you need to keep in mind if you’re dating your colleague. 

Know your company policy

Some organisations prohibit a relationship at the workplace. Whether you are searching for your 'special someone' in the aisles of your office or not, it’s always good to know the company policy. You might have to disclose your relationship to the HR or immediate manager or you may not be allowed to date your superior or subordinate, whatever the rules are, it’s best to play it by the book. You may have a problem with these rules, but the last thing you want is a termination. So read up. 

Do it for the right reasons

Date your co-worker because you like them, not because you will be able to be with them for a large part of your day. Also, read the signs and make sure it is not just an office fling. It can get uncomfortable and messy if either of you have their eyes on other people in the office. 

Designation matters

While we are nobody to tell you who to date and who not to, keep in mind the workplace dynamic you share with the person you’re planning to get involved with. It is easier and uncomplicated when you’re dating someone who is at the same position as you. Always remember, as much as people are busy at office, they still have got their eyes on you. So why make things difficult for yourself?

Trust the right people

You’d take absolutely no time in letting your friends and family know about who you’re dating from work. But what about telling your teammates and colleagues? Trust your gut to know who among the team or in the office can be privy to this information. 

Take it slow

It’s the golden rule of any relationship. But when it comes to workplace romance, you may feel that you’ve known the person for long enough—you’re spending 10 hours or more together for five to six days a week—but it is important to know and be with the person outside of the office, too. Being around them all day might be your Monday morning motivation, but it’s good to take it slow and understand each other better. This is not a race that you have to finish. 

Take your fights outside

Dating your colleague isn’t all rainbows and sunshine, especially when there are deadlines and presentations in the picture, and it may come with its share of arguments and disagreements. At this time, it is very important to deal with the situation without bringing any baggage from home. The same is true for dealing with situations at home. Do not take a work argument home, ever. Remember, colleagues at work, a couple outside of it, and you won’t go wrong. Know where to draw the line. 

PDA is a complete no-no

You’re smart enough to know this. Keep things professional at the workplace. Your co-workers do not want to see you two holding hands or flirting or being frisky. Also, try keeping the breaks that you spend with your partner to a minimum.

Don’t be biased

Just because you are dating a co-worker doesn’t mean that you’re blinded by love and take their side despite them being in the wrong. 

Don’t forget, breaking up won’t be easy

Prepare yourself for the situation should the relationship go south. It won’t be easy. Even after the breakup, you will have to see each other every single day, and also be cordial with each other. While you may take on more work to keep yourself occupied, it won’t be a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ until one of you leaves the job. You may love the job, but now hate the one you loved. So, tread cautiously. 

Meeting co-workers as a couple outside work

It’s a small world that’s only getting smaller. While you may have kept your relationship hidden at the workplace, do know that it’s not going to be a secret forever. People will find out, or see, sooner rather than later. What do you do if you’re together on the road, a mall, a restaurant and someone from work happens to see you? Depending on the time and place, it’s your call to choose between saying the truth and lying.