Is office romance a pro or con in your view? Discuss in the Comments below!
He drew his lips close enough to her ear that she could feel the warmth of his breath as he whispered, “Next time you wear that perfume here, I promise I’m going to eat you up like my favorite cookie.” Her face flushed hot, a grin drew up her cheek and her desk chair instantly felt like a waterbed.
“Yes sir,” she replied, “I can check to see if we still have the conference rate available for your stay, Mr. Johnson.” He laughed as she readjusted her headset and continued to assist her caller, avoiding his lustful glare. She would repay him later as they stole after-hours moments together, away from their fellow co-workers…
Interoffice romance can make a job worth going to, but at the same time create a living hell. At some point, most of us have encountered (or been) the Office Flirt, the Cubicle Casanova, or the Corner Office Harasser. Whether we’ve been the object of their affection or an innocent bystander watching the situation unfold, most of us know how this goes. Either it burns like flash paper, hot and then suddenly gone without a trace, or it burns slowly, creating an inferno that traps everyone in the office. Tread lightly; it only takes one change of perspective to turn flirting into a sexual harassment lawsuit.
Then again, there are the quiet romances… The soft glances across the room, the synchronized visits to the lunchroom, the “accidental” run-in on the stairwell… No one in the office is sure if you’re interested in each other or not. And you are in no rush to fill them in. You meet for dinner far enough away that it’s not likely you’ll run into anyone. You don’t have the same days off, so a half-day absence here and there goes unnoticed. You have company shirts, so no one realized that you borrowed one of his this morning. You’re truly happy in your secret little world…
But what happens when it escalates? What happens when you’re ready to take that next step? Do you tell? Do you let people find out? What could the backlash be? How will you deal with it? A friend of mine has been seeing a co-worker and all was fine and dandy and under the radar until she got pregnant. They’re happier than ever, but now the office dynamic has changed. Neither was the other’s superior, so that isn’t an issue. It’s just that now they’re the watercooler topic. Everyone is in their business. Well, truth of the matter, their business is now on display, however unintentionally. But despite the nosiness, the questions and the whispers, she says it’s a relief to not have to carry around that secret anymore.
On TV, office romance is all well and good, but be very careful in the real world. Consider whether or not this relationship is worth your job, your career or your reputation. Is one of you willing to change departments, locations or even pay grades to stay together? Is the chemistry hot enough to weather the potential fallout? Who quits if the relationship falls apart? Keep both eyes open when entering this territory. Only the strong – of heart – survive…
Two,
Ms. De
Hard Truffle: No, hooking up with the Human Resources Manager does not put you in the “Safe Zone”.
About Donya: Donya Vaughn is a So Cal native, collegiate of San Diego State University and graduate of the University of Life, mastering in “Wow, That Was Harder Than It Needed To Be”. Known to her close friends as “The Walking Encyclopedia”, Donya prides herself in being helpful, knowledgeable and ready to serve. She uses these traits along with unwavering optimism and Christian good spirit regularly as owner and consultant of As You Like… Wedding & Event Services.
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