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Advice / Succeeding at Work / Break Room

Warning: Why You Should Avoid an Office Romance at All Costs

Sure, everyone knows office romances are a workplace taboo, but what happens when you find yourself victim to temptation? It’s hard to ignore that sparks are flying—and that your newfound workplace fling makes all-hands team meetings so much more exciting.

But is it really all worth it? We’re not so sure.

In fact, consider what might happen if you take your office crush to the next level:

No matter how innocent your new “friendship” may seem in your eyes…

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...Your fellow co-workers will assume only the most outrageous situations.

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Rumors will spread like wildfire. It’s guaranteed that your boss will hear all about it.

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From then on, your boss will have a false image of you. It’s likely you’ll lose his or her respect forever.

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Any incompetence—no matter how slight—will be blamed on your “office exploits.”

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And just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse...

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...You’ll get caught in a compromising position.

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The next few months after losing your job may be hard, but we’re sure you’ll bounce back. Good luck!

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OK, OK. An office romance probably won’t be the end of your job as you know it. But seriously, think twice, and keep it classy and professional in the office. Your co-workers—and your career prospects—will thank you.