by Lyn Dee

Created on: February 26, 2009

If only human beings could choose when and where to fall in love!

If you had any say in the matter, wouldn't you arrange to meet your Mr or Miss Right in the most romantic setting you can imagine? A place where you could devote all your time to getting to know this wonderful person without having to deal with the distractions and interruptions of everyday life.

Unfortunately, nature isn't so obliging. You can't predict when Cupid's arrow will strike. Chances are, it will happen in the place where you spend most of your waking hours. Unless you are independently wealthy, this will be your place of work.

Office romances can be exciting. Office romances can lead to lifelong commitments. But when they go wrong they can end disastrously, not only in tears but also in loss of reputation and even unemployment.

So, if you find yourself attracted to a work colleague what should you do? First of all, think about some of the pitfalls that may be lurking along your path to true love.

MISUNDERSTANDINGS. Flirting might seem a pleasant way of passing the time, but before you indulge in it be aware that one person's harmless banter could be seen as sexual harassment by someone else.

GOSSIP. No matter how discrete you think you are being, it will only be a matter of time before the gossip starts. A casual remark, or just one too many glances across a crowded room, will be more than enough to start the rumours. And, once started, the stories will grow with each re-telling.

JEALOUSY. Not everyone will view your relationship through your own rose-tinted glasses. There could be mutterings or even formal complaints about favouritism or that the romance is adversely affecting your work.

BOSSES. Management does not like anything that upsets the workforce, reduces profits or gives the company a bad name. If your romance comes to their attention they could make your life very difficult.

UNHAPPY ENDINGS. Suppose it all goes wrong? How will you cope if the two of you break up, yet still have to work together? Will you be able to hide your heartache, disappointment, anger or bitterness?

Having read the above, I hope you will heed my advice and steer clear of office romances - although I won't be surprised if you don't.

When my daughter started work I tried to warn her about the problems and complications they can cause. I advised her to keep her private and work lives strictly separate.

'So, where did you meet Dad?' she asked.

'Well, I was in the office one day, concentrating on my work, not even thinking about romance - when this young man walked in. Two months later we were married!'

Yes, office romances are best avoided - but sometimes you just don't have any choice in the matter.

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