Things You'll Need:
- Maturity
- Professionalism
- Understanding
- Patience
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Step 1
In every work environment there is a single person who, upon hearing of a new arrival, asks “Is she/he single?” and proceeds to introduce themselves immediately. Don’t be that person. Being open to possibilities is fine but pouncing on someone before they’ve learned where to find the water cooler is not.
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Step 2
Take it slow. You’ve heard before looks aren’t everything. No matter how attractive a person might be they still might not be compatible for you in the ways that matter. Take the time to get to know someone through the normal course of work before you consider the risk of dating them.
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Step 3
Know your company’s policy on office dating.
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Step 4
When you do find someone that interests you, make an effort to get to know them out of the office but not on a date. Lunches are a safe way to spend some time out of the office without the pressure of a date. Since time is limited there’s not much damage done if you don’t click. You should also consider a group outing after work like a happy hour gathering at a local watering hole.
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Step 5
Once you begin dating someone at work, be discreet. No hugging, kissing, or baby talk in front of others. You can decide how open you want to be about your relationship. You don’t have to sneak around necessarily but you don’t need to flaunt it either.
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Step 6
Be mindful of what you share. People are nosey by nature and when you’re in love it’s tempting to gush over your new flame. However, you don’t want the whole office to think of Spongebob boxers when they see your love so don’t share anything too personal that might lead to potential embarrassment for the both of you.
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Step 7
Don’t let work become the focus of your relationship. If all of your conversations revolve around work issues, you have a problem. You want a partner not an understanding sounding board
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Step 8
Realize at some point you may have to choose between your job and your love life. Would you be willing to give up your job or change your focus to maintain the relationship? If your relationship becomes serious, you may no longer be able to work in the same department. Ask yourself if you would be willing to transfer departments or change jobs altogether. If your career is focused on one area so strongly that you can’t fathom this then you should consider avoiding office romances. It might not seem fair but no one ever said that love was fair.
