ExposedNYC

Mixing business and pleasure is always a tough decision, but it’s an inherent element of any workplace. When competent professional adults spend extensive amounts of time together, they’re bound to develop some sort of relationship. Especially in competitive industries where people are so focused on a common goal, it makes sense to want to share such a majority of your time with someone special. Plus, when someone is good at their job, it can make them infinitely more attractive because competence, confidence, and ambition are generally desirable qualities.

On the down side, there are so many variables that can take these relationships down a precarious slope. There is no waiting game for someone to call if you’re both in the office the next day. If both parties are at different levels of power, there is the added ethical dilemma of favoritism and possible accusations of preferential treatment by co-workers. Not to mention the daunting prospect of the relationship ending and being forced to civilly deal with this person on a daily basis. Do you really want your ex to witness a breakdown that sends you in tears to the women’s restroom?

But relationships are rarely based on rationale, so of course workplace romances happen. I have an interesting twist on the subject, being involved in mostly freelance work. I have the possibility of never seeing the people I work with again, but need to maintain positive networking relationships for future referrals, so I’m twice as hesitant to risk it for someone I just think is cute.

So, I miss out on a vast network of potential mates from a more reasonable setting than bars of grocery stores. I truly think that this situation affects men and women differently. Men are vastly more likely to be delivered a sexual harassment claim, which can be scary, but women are often dying to be taken seriously in the workplace, and wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardize whatever respect they gain. I have to admit, there are definitely times when I wish I had the nerve to just throw caution to the wind.

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