Dating a Co-Worker

By: Mike Cupolo

Taboo, forbidden and unmentionable. A few words to describe the very thought of dating a co-worker. Tell someone you think a co-worker is attractive and the first thing out of their mouth will be, “Don’t shit where you eat.”

Why can’t you date a co-worker?

Work is almost guaranteed to get awkward. You have to see this person everyday and work side by side. There is definitely added pressure to a relationship if you decide to date someone whom you are forced to spend eight hours a day, five days a week, and 52 weeks a year with.  That is over 2,000 minutes! I have no idea if that is right, but it is a lot of time. You get to commute to work, eat lunch together, hang after work, hang on the weekends, spend every holiday together, and take the same vacation days TOGETHER. You better really adore this person, because you are stuck.

What happens if you go through a bad break-up? You won’t be able to get away from it. You can’t just get another job in this economy. What if you had to work with an ex? Work would suck so much more. Your day would start like this, “Damn is it really Wednesday morning? I am so tired and hung over. Why did I drink so much on a week night? Is that a squirrel in my room? How did a squirrel get into my room? Get out of her squirrel! Let me jump into the shower…HOLY CRAP! Completely forgot I have to see that bitch/bastard all day! Maybe it doesn’t go down exactly like that, but I think you get the idea. It could get bad.

What if your co-worker and your soul mate are the same person? You enjoy their company so much that seeing each other for hours each day, everyday, is a delight. If your relationship is strong and exciting it could improve your work life dramatically. You might actually look forward to work.

What do you do if you are attracted to a co-worker? Ignore your feelings because you don’t want to make your work life uncomfortable? What if you pass up an opportunity to date someone special? 

Here are a few reasons to pursue your office crush and few reasons why you shouldn’t chase that work tail.

Go for your crush!

1. A potential bad day can be averted with a big hug and a few laughs with your mate.
2. Why should you have to date online or go to a bar to meet someone? You hang out with attractive singles on a daily basis.
3. No lull in conversation. You always have work to talk about. Depending on your job this could be stimulating banter.
4. You spend more time with co-workers than your family.  
5. You have a better attitude at work now.

Go to the bathroom and toss some cold water on your face instead.  

    

1. You are convinced your co-worker likes you. You come on too strong. Now you have to take, “What is Sexual Harassment in the Work Place?” classes 3 times a week.

2. You aren’t the first person they have dated in the office. You aren’t the last either.

3. Dating an intern seemed like a great idea until you found out she was 16.

4. Can’t bring your wife or husband to work anymore now that you are dating a co-worker. 

 5. Everyone at work knows you two are an item. Other co-workers question you daily about your relationship and work turns into an episode of TMZ.