Angela Philipps, Gleaner Writer

When, if ever, is it OK to get involved with someone from work? Those who scorn it do so because its seen as interfering with the job. However many, find that their colleagues are the only people they socialise with. They simply have no time to meet or hang out with others, travelling between home and office alone. If you think about it, theres probably no one else with whom you spend so many hours on a regular basis.

There are many angles that one can take on this topic, but keep in mind that this column is for those who are single.

Most reputable businesses do not tolerate romantic relationships among their employees, and this is with good reason. The boss certainly doesnt want you getting distracted by the hottie down the hall whom youve just started dating. Nor would he like his manager to be accused of unfairly recommending the promotion of the assistant he (the manager) has been sleeping with for the last month. And, most important, Id think, is no CEO could bear to stand a sexual harassment lawsuit brought down on one employee by another.

A very good friend of mine was married to a man who started having an affair with a single lady at his office. He was less than discreet about it and soon enough he not only lost his wife, but his job as well.

company policy

His piece on the side met with the same latter fate. In their case, it was company policy to avoid all internal romantic relationships. Even though this union led to marriage, an establishment such as the one that they were employed by could never tolerate such behaviour. No exceptions!

Years ago, when I lived abroad, I did go out with a guy from work, for a short while. It was actually allowed, but things got very complicated all too soon. Wed been on a few dates and I decided that he wasnt my type.

Unfortunately, he did not see it this way and continued to pressure me. It got to the point where I was forced to be rude to him in order to portray the message clearly. An embarrassing situation, to say the least, and I vowed that I would never put myself in this position again. To this day, I have kept true to my promise.

I understand that it is difficult for a lot of us singletons to find our soulmate, especially if were working ridiculous hours, practically round the clock sometimes. So if we click with the person who sits near our desk, then why lose the one chance were given at having happiness? What if he, or she, is truly the one?

Well, a solution to this might be to become friends first, and if feelings for each other get too strong to hold back, then one of you has to resign. This seems a bit drastic, but you might both end up getting fired anyway, so you may as well explore your options.

steer clear of temptations

The problem, of course, arises when youre trying to decide which one of you ought to quit. Well, if unsolvable arguments ensue, then perhaps your romance wont last anyway. Youll then have your answer about what has to be given up!

Another resolution would be to steer clear of any temptations altogether. If you are attracted to anyone at work, focus your mind on the tasks in hand.

Dont even entertain the thought of going for one little drink before travelling home, stopping to have a chat by the water cooler, or engaging in any conversation thats unrelated to work. The only affairs that should be happening in the workplace are business ones!

angelaphilippsja@hotmail.com.