When you start working part time in college, the workplace can be where you meet some great friends, and maybe even someone you like a little more than a friend. People will tell you that it’s frowned upon and that it ruins the workplace entirely, regardless of others opinions, you will most likely encounter or be in a workplace relationship at some point in your life.

The One Night Stand

Everyone from work goes out for drinks and low and behold, something happens. The pair tries to keep it quiet, but one person eventually tells another and then all of a sudden everyone at work knows about it. It probably won’t change the dynamics of the workplace unless someone makes it a bigger deal than it really is. Normally, the buzz fades away and coworkers forget it even happened.

The Booty Call Co-Worker

This is one of the most dangerous situations to get into with someone in the workplace, unless it’s going to turn into an actual relationship down the road (which it rarely does.) This usually leads to someone catching feelings and feeling used when the other person doesn’t feel the same. This will make the workplace terribly uncomfortable and could even lead to hours being cut (or even the possibility of getting fired) if you’re unable to work together.

Believe me. This relationship is one to avoid.

The Perfect Two

This is the couple that meets at work, falls in love and actually doesn’t talk about it 24/7. Everyone at work knows they’re dating, but it doesn’t change any dynamics. They have probably even checked the ethics code to make sure it doesn’t violate any rules and act completely normal during working hours. This is the couple everyone should strive to be like.

The Disaster Duo

This is the couple that brings their fights to the workplace, insults each other on the floor, and makes everything awkward for everyone involved. This is also the couple that is sure that PDA is never off the table at work, which is always frowned upon by management. When the breakup occurs (and it will), it will be a mess with scheduling, and probably force one person to quit to avoid any further confrontation. If neither wants to quit, the drama will continue, until someone is fired.

Each workplace has it’s own rules regarding relationships in the workplace. Normally relationships between employees of the same standing are allowed. Relationships between employees of DIFFERENT standings are the ones that tend to be off limits. Dating your manager, for example, could get one or both of you fired.

Workplace relationships can be great if you’re a good match and know how to remain professional; Use your own judgment and most importantly- do your job!

Have you ever been in a workplace relationship? What was the outcome? Tell us your story!
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Written by Jess Steffan. Check out her blog Haute Mess