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All of us have heard the golden rule about dating the people we work with: that we shouldn't do it. Most people, especially managers, claim that office romances get in the way of true professionalism, and create trouble where there doesn't need to be any. Unlike internet dating where almost anything goes, office romances they say, are a no no!.

Sometimes the idea of an office romance is incredibly appealing. After all, finding the right person to be with is kind of a full time job in and of itself. You have to put in the effort and work hard and show your best face to the world. So if you're going to have to be doing all that anyway, why not combine your efforts, and look for a partner at the workplace?

While there are lots of reasons to avoid dating a co-worker, there are also lots of reasons to go for it. Have your eye on a particular man or woman you work with? Then it's time for you to give some thought to what's the best for you, your career, and your company.

When You Should Date a Co-Worker

A lot of good things go along with dating somebody you work with. If you and a co-worker are thinking about taking things from faxing to flirting, the first thing to do is check with your company's policies. Some companies have strict rules about relationships in the workplace. Others simply require that workplace couples register as such. If romantic relationships are allowed where you work, there are many reasons to go ahead and give one a try. Because there are a lot of fun things about dating somebody you work with.

One of the best things about dating a co-worker is the rare dynamic that tends to develop between people who work together. Even though you already know this person well, you probably haven't established a "just friends" vibe the way you generally would in the outside world. Dating a co-worker also frees you from the pressure and worry of getting to know somebody in a strictly romantic way. You don't have to agonize about whether or not he or she will call the next day-- because you know you'll see each other. You've already spent time together, you already know each other, and you're already comfortable. Definitely a step in the right direction.

Knowing someone you're dating this way does more than allow you to be comfortable with him or her. It also gives you the kind of peek into his or her personality that it would take forever to see with traditional dating. You’ve already seen this person in all kinds of situations: being told off by the boss, getting complimented on his or her work, or dealing with underlings. Watching how somebody works can give you a pretty clear picture of whether or not you are compatible.

Last but not least is the excitement factor. Even if your company allows intra-office dating, there's something sexy and forbidden about dating somebody you work with. Outside of old high school trysts, there's nothing quite like sneaking into the supply closet for a kiss. Or two. Or three.

When You Shouldn't Date a Co-Worker

Yes, having a relationship at work when it's against the rules is very exciting. Who doesn't get flushed with excitement at the idea of a forbidden affair? But it's important to keep in mind that, as much as you may like somebody, you want to keep your job. Right? If you care at all about your position in the company you work for, it's best to resist the temptation to date a co-worker. It's just not worth getting fired over.

Even if it's not against the rules, if your position in the company is hugely important to you, it's best to avoid dating a co-worker. If things don't work out, it could put you in an uncomfortable, unprofessional situation with your company and the people in it.

It's also not a good idea to date somebody you work with if you have a particular aversion gossip or drama, or a strong need for privacy. Even if it's not against the rules, dating somebody you work with is probably going to create a bit of a sensation around the office. You know the receptionist who gossips and giggles about the boss' hemorrhoids? If you don't want her doing to same about your relationship, it's best to steer clear of dating somebody at work.

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