OFFICE DATING MANNERS

Make sure it’s hush-hush
You never know where the relationship will go (or how nasty the breakup might be), so keep your love under wraps and keep the juicy details to yourself.

No PDAs
Whether you sneak a kiss in the coffee room when no one’s there or squeeze a butt in passing down a quiet corridor, someone WILL see you at some point. Prevent whispers (and talks of favouritism) by keeping affection out of the workplace.

Stay focused on your job
It’s easy to let your mind wander when amour is in the air. But don’t be that girl who loses sight of her goals or who gets distracted from her duties whenever a new beau comes around.

Handle slip-ups tactfully
Oops! Caught at work? Take the high road and don’t get sucked in by office gossip. Let them talk all they want. If you ignore it, eventually so will they. If word hasn’t spread yet, confide (modestly) in the person who busted you. “We’re getting to know each other and it’s going well. I’m embarrassed that you saw us. It’ll never happen again.”

Play fair
Just as professional relationships must be carefully nurtured, an in-office romance must be treated with care as well. Not only will you be in close proximity long after your relationship ends, your professional paths will likely continue to cross for years to come, too. So be respectful and kind at all times. (Wouldn’t your mother agree?)