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What advice do you have about dating coworkers?

A romantic interest, who is a sort of coworker of mine, is concerned about the effect on her reputation (she's new), as well as conflicts of interest, should we decide to date. If this is the reason she gave for declining a date, does it make sense to ask again after a period of friendship and to suggest we keep our relationship secret? On the other hand, it might be hard to maintain such a secret.

Anonymous , 20.01.2011, 18:48
Idea status: completed

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KPOM, 14.05.2011, 09:49
Not to be flippant, but are you sure she just isn't trying to tell you in a "nice" way that she isn't interested in you?

Assuming that's not the case, consider the potential effects (positive and negative) of a relationship. Do you work in the same group? More importantly, do either of you report directly or indirectly to the other? If so, I'd be more careful about avoiding actual or perceived conflicts of interests. If your coworkers perceive that one of you is getting preferential treatment or better work assignments because of an outside relationship, that could have a negative effect. Also, if you were to date seriously and later break up, would it be awkward seeing her in the office, and would you be unable to interact fairly?

That said, I think it can work in some circumstances. Let's face it. Most of us spend a lot of time at the office, and many of the people we meet there share a lot of interests. I've been to clients where there are quite a few successful office relationships/marriages, so it certainly isn't impossible.

If you aren't in a superior/subordinate work relationship, my advice is to meet casually away from the office a few times to see if there is any chemistry. If there is, then it seems best to be open about it. If it's possible, it may be better if you are in different groups and don't work directly on the same projects or for the same people.

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