PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Finding a romantic relationship is like a job all its own. You have to be confident and persistent. You have to work hard and not let disappointment slow you down. You even have to research the best dating venues, like online dating sites or singles groups. The whole thing can be exhausting. Which is why the idea of looking for a romantic relationship at work is so appealing. You're already there and you're already working…why not try to find a boyfriend or girlfriend while you're at it?

The Pros of Dating a Co-Worker

The best thing about dating somebody you work with is that you already know them – but you haven't developed a "we're just friends" dynamic. When you work with somebody, you know a lot more about him or her than if you were to meet him a few times in a bar. And you're comfortable enough to talk to each other without the pressure of "this is supposed to lead to romance."

Plus, the ways in which you know your co-workers are more valuable than a quick chat over drinks would be…because you've seen how this person behaves in a wide variety of situations. You've seen how he or she treats the lowliest intern. How he or she reacts to stress. Basically, you know what kind of a person he or she is, because your relationship has probably never included any of the "I'm on my best behavior" masks and deceptions that most of us use when starting a romantic relationship.

Another great thing about dating a co-worker is proximity – it's fun to be so close. There's little more exciting than a three-minute make out session in the copy room…as long as you don't get caught. Plus, seeing each other daily takes a lot of the pressure off of the beginning of a relationship. Things are allowed to build naturally instead of through the "is he going to call or isn't he" hell you're so used to.

The Cons of Dating a Co-Worker

I'll start off with the most obvious one: at many companies, it's against the rules. And while dating somebody when it's not allowed can be very exciting, it can play havoc on your career and is best avoided. And even if it's not against the rules, dating somebody at work is bound to create a bit of drama. We all know how popular spreading office gossip is, so you need to be prepared to be the brunt of a few jokes or nasty rumors.

Another thing to consider when you want to date somebody at work is whether or not they have the same feelings you do. This is especially important for men. If you're interested in a woman you work with, you need to be absolutely sure than any comments you make or flirting you do won't be taken the wrong way. Sexual harassment is a big deal, and you want to be sure you aren't doing it inadvertently.

Last but of course not least is the "break up" factor. If you start a relationship with a co-worker and things go wrong, the atmosphere is going to be more than a little tense at the office. Especially if the relationship went horribly wrong or there was a messy break up, going back to work can be awkward, difficult, or (for some people) even impossible. So if you're more dedicated to your company and your career than to the idea of having a romantic relationship, it might be best to look elsewhere for love.