Dating in the Workplace? How To Handle the Office Romance and Dating A Coworker

Dating in the Workplace? Influence and Relationship Expert, Karen Keller, Ph.D, Advises How To Handle the Office Romance and Dating A Coworker

Sometimes people just can’t help their feelings. An attraction with a coworker develops. But this flirtation, or as things progress even a relationship, can have repercussions both personally and professionally. Influence and relationship expert, Karen Keller, Ph.D, advises some tips that women (and men!) should be aware of when pursuing dating a coworker or office friend.

(Fort Wayne IN) April 20, 2011 – Sometimes people just can’t help their feelings. An attraction with a coworker develops. But this flirtation, or as things progress even a relationship, can have repercussions both personally and professionally. Influence and relationship expert, Karen Keller, Ph.D, advises some tips that women (and men!) should be aware of when pursuing dating a coworker or office friend.

According to Keller, “Flirting with a co-worker or your boss can be sexy, fun, and electric. And as the mutual attraction grows and is taken to the dating stage, it can be even more so. However one should always proceed with caution when dating at worker as there’s much at stake on both a personal and professional level”

Here are Dr. Keller’s tips to keep in mind when considering dating a coworker:

1. Nice and Easy Does It. “Start slow. Spend some time getting to know each other first. Ask them out to lunch on a workday and observe their conduct. Seeing them in different setting will help you decide if it’s right to go to the next step.”
2. Beware the Green-Eyed Monster. “No one wants to end up dating someone who’s hiding a possessive nature, but it will most likely happen, especially at the office as your new love can be observed all day, every day. Jealousy can also come from co-workers thinking you’re suddenly in the boss’ good graces if you’re dating a superior.”
3. Familiarity Can Breed Contempt. “Naturally if you’re seeing someone in the evening and on weekends as well as in the office all day, it could become overkill. And it can put a damper on spontaneity and romance. If you don’t take spend time away from each other, you may end up resenting each other, or taking each other for granted, and that’s the last thing a new (or any) relationship needs.”

Keller concludes, “Relationships require open, honest communication and mutual respect. If you choose to date someone at work, make sure you go in with your eyes open in order to avoid any of the typical pitfalls. You don’t want to compromise your job or your personal happiness in the process!”

For more information and the full list of ten tips for female empowerment, please visit http://karen-keller.com/media/office-romance-dating-coworker.

About Dr. Keller

Karen Keller, Ph.D. is an expert in women’s leadership and assertiveness training. She is also a successful entrepreneur and author. She specializes in the skills of influence and persuasion, executive coaching, mentoring, sales techniques, management development training, motivational speaking, personal life coaching, and corporate training. Discover Influence It! Real POWER for Women now! For your free subscription, visit http://karen-keller.com/female-leadership-influence-success/.