Mixing Work and Play?

Inter-office relationships can be tricky.

First there is the 'always keep things professional' policy.
Then there's the 'leave your problems at the door' policy.
And the always infamous 'don't bring your work home with you.'

But what happens, as to quote a popular TV show, when you meet you your personal life at work?

Many companies have a no dating rule for their employees, and so if that special someone is at the work place secrecy is your only option.

I guess the bigger question is should companies be allowed to say who you can or cannot date?

To me, finding the balance between personal and professional is the most difficult part.
Acting like you aren't with your co-worker isn't the easiest thing to hide, even when no one knows about it.

People can tell. You give off that glow. You know the one I mean.
Your partner walks by, you give the sly grin, all the while thinking I know something these people don't.

But the problem is 99% of the time they do.

So is it inappropriate?

My personal opinion is if you can do your job well, without any distraction, and keep your personal life out of the office, why not? There is nothing like finding a compliment to yourself, no matter where you are. Finding someone you care about it is hard enough. Factoring in co-workers, bosses, and your job only adds to the ever-accumulating hurdle.

Let's assume you did find your partner at work. Keeping it professional is not optional, it's a must. Doing your job effectively even when your partner is staring at you from across the room is not optional.

There is always a line at the workplace because too much PDA could make your co-workers feel uncomfortable. Like I mentioned earlier, it's all about balance. If you can find it, then most people won't object and you can keep both people happy: your partner and your boss.

But I want to know what you think.

Is it wrong to date someone you work with? Do you trust your gut feeling or 'what if' the situation? And if you do choose to play with an associate, should it be kept a secret?

Can you mix work and play?