Career News 24/7: The Cynical Girl: Love at Work

Friday, February 15, 2013

The Cynical Girl: Love at Work

Posted: 13 Feb 2013 03:45 AM PST

I know you are involved with someone at work.

In many instances, this could be an exciting development in your life. It is very common to meet and fall in love with a colleague. You spend so much time together. You might as well get dinner and a movie out of your job. (This was my attitude, by the way. Then I married the guy.)

For others, your relationship at work would not pass the sunshine test. If people found out, no one would understand. But listen, I understand. You spend a gazillion hours at work. Your primary relationship has cracks. You feel a need to find a connection in the world. And if work causes you grief and only gives you a 2.5% COLA, why not have a friend in the process?

I am not here to judge your relationships at work. I am here to tell you that it’s tough to keep your professional life separate from your personal life, but you should strive for clarity and boundaries.

If you are legitimately dating someone at the office, don’t send flowers to her desk on Valentine’s Day. Send them to her home. Be a grown up.
If you are hooking up with someone at the office, don’t risk your primary relationship and feel pressured by Valentine’s Day to make a of declaration of affection. Your coworkers are watching you. They will see it.
If there is love in your life in any manner, that is great. But you have work to do. Better get back to it.

I want to make one another point about love at work. No matter your relationship status, remember that some people in your office are tremendously lonely. They don’t feel loved. Valentine’s Day is physically hard for them. If you feel the need to celebrate, be inclusive and keep it light. I recommend bringing Dove dark chocolates and maybe some donuts to the office.

In fact, bring them to me. I will take responsibility for the official HR Valentine’s Day party.

Mmmmmm.