When office romance fizzles...

If your office romance is on its last legs, the following do's and don'ts can help you get through...

IN THIS day and age, most people spend as much time at work with their colleagues as they do outside of work socialising with friends. Because of this, many individuals turn to the workplace to find romance. This phenomenon is no surprise. Now, it's almost acceptable!

But don't get bogged down if the romance is about to fizzle. Here's how you could deal with the tough situation with dignity and grace.

DO keep your relationship out of the office. Hopefully, you will have already set ground rules about what is appropriate inside the walls of your company. This means you and your partner have steered clear of public displays of affection throughout your relationship.

Apply this same rule if you breakup. Don't discuss about your failed relationship. Any display of emotional discourse between the two of you will only make you look unprofessional - and will be certain to set off the gossip mill of the company.

DON'T get nasty or resort to name calling or bad mouthing. In most breakups, one of the perks is being able to say nasty things about your ex to your friends. In a situation where the two of you share friends and colleagues, however, the rules change. The last thing your company needs is a he said, she said war going on in the office, so bite your tongue and save your criticisms for your friends outside of work.

DO remember that your job is your first priority. One reason so many company executives and human resources employees shudder at the thought of inter-office relationships is the effect they have on company productivity.

Breaking up does lead to an emotional upheaval, but don't let it keep you from doing your work. Everyone has to face a difficult personal situation and still go on with life - how you handle yours will show others how committed you are to your career and your company's success.

DON'T be harsh in the office - The tricky thing about dating a co-worker is the fact that after a breakup, you still have to see him or her during the workday. This makes office romance breakups even more difficult than others. As painful as it may be to run into your ex at the coffee machine or sit across from him or her at a monthly staff meeting, try to put your personal feelings aside and handle yourself with dignity and professionalism.

DO keep your emotions to yourself. Emotions run high during breakups, but you will fare much better in the long run if you keep a lid on them in the office.

DON'T play teenager relationship games. These have no place in any adult relationship, much less in the office. Most people can see right through these displays and will think less of you as a professional if you indulge in them.

DO think twice about jumping into another office romance. While office romances don't always end up in the gutter, there are a wide range of complications that these relationships entail. Chances are you will save yourself a great deal of complications in the long run!

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