Debate:Would you date a co-worker?

Office romance is simply unethical The fact that there are buckets of time to flirt, exchange sweet covert emails, smiles, sexual glances and playful jokes makes office romance undeniably sweet. However, just like all sweet things, office romance has its share of cons. Taking you back a little, one morning last September, the U.S public woke up to the news of the sudden resignation of C.I.A chief, David Petraeus, after it was allegedly discovered that a budding affair was going on between him and his autobiographer, Paula Broadwell. Okay, some folks may dismiss that as an isolated case, so allow me to give a more memorable scenario in 1998 when US President Bill Clinton was impeached after allegations that he was having an “improper relationship” with Monica Lewinsky, a white house intern. His reputation was not only soiled, but his family went through unimaginable shame and trauma too. Back to our local scene, why would one work mate get attracted to another? They are not any different from that kid in the neighborhood you grew up with; watching you being showered, smacked or scolded. It’s important to note that an individual involved in a budding office romance will gradually get alienated from colleagues and realise that the more time they spend with their significant other in the office, the more they push their colleagues away. Dating a co-worker destroys ones chance of earning a promotion. For example, if your boss discovers that you’re more preoccupied with a clandestine relationship than with your real job, you may find yourself writing those cute little love notes on a pink slip. Hypothetically, if you became involved with someone in your department, then, and after some time, receive a promotion, your new “love” will become your subordinate. Have you ever imagined how distasteful it would be if you were tasked with conducting a review or disciplinary act on them? In most cases, the two of you won’t have real intimate time together. For example, if the two of you are thrown on a morning to sunset exhausting work schedule every day, under the strict supervision of the boss, by the time the task is done, neither of you can barely keep their eyes open. In conclusion, unless you honestly believe that you can juggle your career and a relationship with one hand, you might want to do yourself a favour and keep your business and personal life separate.