It only makes sense, though, considering all the time we spend with our coworkers while we are dressed in our best and have our good manners on. We spend time with coworkers problem solving and developing ideas with our creative thinking caps on. We also go to lunches, happy hours and office parties together. It is no wonder that so many of us fall into an office affair. Another statistic the survey uncovered is that twenty percent of all office affairs end in marriage!

That is a huge change from decades ago, when office affairs usually ended in heartbreak and the loss of a job for one or both participants. It might be that looking for love at the office is not a bad idea. Here are some tips for handling that office affair. (1) First, be completely professional at work. (2) Do not bring your love life into the office by flirting, sending love emails, or spending too much time putting your heads together.

(3) Your coworkers should never know that you are dating until you make the announcement. (4) Do let your boss know in private that you are seeing each other after you have been dating a while and if the relationship seems promising. Giving your boss a heads-up and assuring him or her that you will be professional and not let it affect your work performance is a sign of respect. (5) Ask your boss to keep it confidential until you are ready to tell others.

Don’t join the office gossip pool with other coworkers. (7) Maintain a no gossip policy as your rule and people will respect your privacy when they learn you are dating a coworker. Negativity after a bad breakup can definitely affect your work performance and career advancement opportunities, so be a smart cookie and plan ahead for the worst. By being prepared, you reduce the chances of being negatively affected by something you might have no control over, so think it through before you start.