Most of the employed individual time in a regular day are being spent in the Office. And that is why 38% of the Americans have dated someone who worked in the same office according to the annual survey. And 16% have done it more than once. 31% of those who did, end up in marrying their office mates (Chicago-February 12, 2014). However, office romance can be a little bit complicated and risky, especially if the relationship did not prosper and ended on a bad note.

How do we handle an office romance if we were the ones involved in this complicated relationship?

1. Avoid Public displays of Affection.

The office is a workplace, and there are other people around who wants an atmosphere of productivity during office hours. It will be an awkward scene and could be very distracting  for them if you and your office sweetheart are exchanging sweet nothings while working. Cuddling, kissing, hugging should be done privately in the right place and the right time.

1. Let your Manager be informed about your Relationship.

Having an intimate relationship in the office cannot be kept in secret for a long time. There will come a point in time that your office mates would know the real stand between you and your partner. Which will bring conflicts, especially if both of you are in the same department or the same team.  With the help of the  manager, they would have the option to move one and transferred to a different department or team to avoid conflict of interest.

1. Keep it Discreet as possible.

If you can maintain a casual interaction in the office, it will avoid gossip and awkward moments that could distract co-employees. Not posting about your relationship in Facebook or Twitter could also keep your relationship in a low-key that could keep your relationship in Discreet mode.

1. Be Aware of the Company Policy.

What does your company say about office romance? Some company allows this kind of relationship; some don’t. You need to know in order for you to be aware of what should be done to abide company policy without sacrificing your relationship.

1. Set up Rules inside and outside the Workplace.

Having rules would help you and your partner set boundaries of your relationship. You would both know the right place and the right time to show affection. You can also play roles in the office as if  both of you are just casual friends. Have your do’s and don’t’s inside the workplace to avoid awkward moments that distract productivity inside the workplace.