Q of the Day- Dating a Co-Worker
By DB
@dgobucks226 (34393)
April 6, 2024 11:13am CST
Have you ever dated a co-worker? I might have, given the opportunity, but I can understand reasons one should hesitate. I remember working in a department store where my department manager began seeing a co-worker and it got serious. Well, at least on the woman's part.
When the guy did not reciprocate and take the relationship to the next level, I witnessed an awkward and strained breakup. Fortunately, large stores have various departments, so they could both go their own way and move on.
Anyway, have you ever dated a co-worker? Do you think it's appropriate to do so? Can you think of reasons why you should avoid it?
***Some reasons I found for being careful and not get involved with a co-worker:
-The person you socialize with at work may not be the same kind of person outside the job.
-If you work on the same team or in the same division of the company, it could be a conflict of interest especially if you are in management. You could be accused of favoritism.
-It will probably cause tension or awkwardness with coworkers.
I'm sure there are other reasons dating a co-worker would be a bad idea. Can you add to my list?
Some Source Info- goodmenproject.com
Photo- Business Matters
10 people like this
9 responses
@grenery8 (2351)
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
7 Apr
i didn't date but i had crush as an intern on one guy and the guy wasn't in the same department as me but we were together during breaks, all interns were. i heard he was a bad boy but i thought it wasn't true and all of sudden, he became half agressive to me so after that, i wouldn't ever think about having a crush or dating a colleague. as you pointed out, there are more cons than pros.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
9 Apr
Oh no, apparently his reputation was known, and others were gossiping about him. Smart move to stay away at that point.
Other reasons to stay away from office relationships:
-It may be difficult for you to move on from your emotions after a breakup seeing the person daily.
2 people like this
@grenery8 (2351)
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
10 Apr
@dgobucks226 yes, for someone who doesn't like gossips or trust them, i should have had. absolutely, if you see a person every day, it is hard to move on. in some countries it might be a good or only chance to find a partner on work but for me, i like it seperated, my private life and my business life
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (137221)
• Philippines
9 Apr
@dgobucks226 You are right. They are subject to these concerns. They will be the talk of the town.
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@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
9 Apr
I see. There are instances where co-workers date and things work out and they wind up getting married.
Other reasons for being careful about dating a co-worker:
--Other co-workers might make you the subject of gossip.
--If your breakup goes badly, you may be blamed for harassment.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (170284)
• United States
6 Apr
Sort of..but I was only an intern. Besides we only had one date.It was fun, but he was a terrible kisser. Glad it didn't go any further..I e. Another date.
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@snowy22315 (170284)
• United States
9 Apr
@dgobucks226 Well in our case I would have been moving on anyway. I went back to school, and he was supposedly engaged..maybe he got married I don't,t know. We didn't stay in touch.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
9 Apr
Ha, ha. I didn't think of that for a reason not to date a co-worker. 
Other reasons to stay away from office relationships:
-Breaking up or dating may affect your work performance. Although it did work out for Jim and Pam in the TV series "The Office." lol
-It may be difficult for you to move on from your emotions after a breakup seeing the person daily.
Other reasons to stay away from office relationships:
-Breaking up or dating may affect your work performance. Although it did work out for Jim and Pam in the TV series "The Office." lol
-It may be difficult for you to move on from your emotions after a breakup seeing the person daily.2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (86810)
• United States
6 Apr
I would never even consider it..I would need my job when I was working, so any interference would not do and it is too risky.
Course, to hell with that if they are hot enough and worth it. That would have been the young me.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
9 Apr
Now that's an honest answer OT.
But your points are good ones about the risk and interference. If the company has a policy against it, or the relationship affects your work performance it would be an issue.2 people like this
@LadyDuck (458711)
• Switzerland
9 Apr
@dgobucks226 And it was not "love at first sight", we did not get along very well the first couple of weeks I worked in the office.
And it was not "love at first sight", we did not get along very well the first couple of weeks I worked in the office.2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
9 Apr
That's great! And a happy ending too... Thanks for sharing 
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (156810)
• United States
7 Apr
I did date a coworker a couple of times. I don't remember why we stopped dating. I think we weren't compatible. There were no problems after the dating stopped. We were still good friends. Have a good day.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
9 Apr
That was a good thing there were no awkward feelings after. Glad there were no issues with your situation...
Other reasons to stay away from office relationships:
-Other co-workers might make you the subject of gossip.
-It may be difficult for you to move on from your emotions after a breakup seeing the person daily.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (57974)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Apr
It's not impossible, but is discouraged in most perfessions. Typically because you're bringing your work baggage into your personal life and visa versa. Pizza Hut didn't exactly have a "strict" policy about dating amongst co-workers. Like most companies though, it was frowned upon.
But.... I wound up dating and then later marrying my co-worker. Who's been retired almost a year and a half.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (57974)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
9 Apr
@dgobucks226 Yeah, I know. I've seen both sides of the coin. I'm thankful I'm one of the lucky ones to find and merry my best friend, whom I met while working for the same company.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
9 Apr
How about that! There are instances where dating a co-worker can lead to a successful relationship. And your proof of it
I agree. Dating could affect your work performance. And yes, dating a co-worker may risk your job if the company has a policy against it.
I agree. Dating could affect your work performance. And yes, dating a co-worker may risk your job if the company has a policy against it.2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
9 Apr
Absolutely!!! Good point rebel...
Other reasons to stay away from office relationships:
-If your breakup goes badly, you may be blamed for harassment.
-Breaking up or dating may affect your work performance. Although it did work out for Jim and Pam in the TV series "The Office." lol
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34393)
•
16 Apr
That is definitely a concern, I agree.
Other reasons to stay away from office relationships:
-If your breakup goes badly you may be blamed for harassment.
-Your company may fire you if they have rules about co-worker dating.
Other reasons to stay away from office relationships:
-If your breakup goes badly you may be blamed for harassment.
-Your company may fire you if they have rules about co-worker dating.