Being in love is a natural thing. It can happen to anyone, and cupid can strike at any time causing you to fall head over heels with anyone, even with your boss. This love connection or romance is definitely possible. In fact, research shows that one-fourth of employees have admitted dating their co-worker and half of those in that percentage admitted dating their boss.

No matter how romantic this kind of relationship may seem, there will always be pros and cons accompanied with it. This could leave you thinking, "Is it really worth it to date my boss?"

You've read it in magazines, watched them in TV sitcoms, and perhaps witnessed them with our favorite stars and personalities, like Rachel Weisz dating her director, Darren Aronofsky in her movie "The Fountain," or with former President Clinton dating Monica Lewinsky, who happened to be a White House intern; all, however, turned into disastrous whirlwind affairs. No matter what mishaps and risks there may be, why then do employees want to date their boss?



Some office relationships may not be intentional. Love may have developed from a simple crush, or by simply spending a lot of time together in the office. Of course, no one would purposely want to jeopardize their career, but when cupid strikes, may feel powerless to resist it.

The feeling of catching your boss's attention can be very flattering, even more so if others at the office also have a crush on him. The feeling may be infatuation at first, but as you get to know each other, these feelings may build into something special.

It doesn't hurt to have friends higher up, and perhaps you found one in your boss. Then, here comes him or her to the rescue when you're feeling down. You feel overwhelmed and special. But then, a you spend a lot of time helping and knowing each other, plus all the late meetings and maybe a car ride home, and you think, "Why not"?

Lastly, you can't help but thinking that dating your boss can also benefit you in so many ways, especially with your career. He can be your number-one fan in the office. He may give you lots of credit at work and would probably praise you in front of the big bosses. This can give you a "halo effect." You may believe that this praise can foster good signals to everyone regarding how valuable you are as an employee, and could send you straight to the next big position available.

More so, if you date your boss, you may have the first scoop of everything that comes in and out of the office. There is also the possibility that you will receive all the perks and the freebies first before your other colleagues, too.

The fact is, any boss to employee relationship has only about 20% to 30% chance of it being successful. Here are reasons why:

• Office Gossip. Whether you like it or not, office gossips will always be present. It is part of office life, and you must understand; people are just talking. This may affect you or not. If you're a private person, you may not want other people feeding on your personal life and therefore, could affect you in so many ways, such as your work performance. Or, worst-case scenario is, jealous co-workers could go ahead straight to the higher ups and complain of your relationship, especially if it's not allowed.

• Risk of Termination. Most companies do not allow office romance. If you're lucky, they may only prohibit a public display of affection and would not mind your personal life after office hours. However, if your contract or employee handbook specifies a policy against office romances, such as suspension, demotion, or end of contract or termination, then you have no fight against it.

• Poor Performance. This may not be applicable at the start of the relationship, but you can't help it when distractions come your way, such as times when you have a lover's quarrel. This may make it impossible to give full attention to your work, especially if a lot of things cloud your mind.

• Risk of Uncertainty. There are some bosses who are on a power trip. They like the feeling of getting what they want and when they want it. If perhaps this is the case, you're probably one of his flavors of the month and end up being put aside  after things get sour, or he is done getting what he wants from you.

Falling in love is inevitable, even if it happens to be to your co-worker or boss. However, when you can't help jumping to an office romance, you have to exercise caution. Here are a few guidelines to help you keep a healthy office relationship.

• First things first, always be professional. No matter how in love you may be, work should be your number-one priority. Chances are, no one will mind any of your personal baggage if they see you always at the top of your game. Make sure that once you're in the office you put aside all intimate feelings; no smooching in the boss's office, no lingering at the copy machine and public displays of affection.

• Next, you should be open. Office gossip is unavoidable, so put out the fire early before it gets out of control. Be honest to your co-workers and show them that you are sincere with your intentions, and you have no other career path agendas to steal behind their backs. Most office rumors are only fueled by jealousy or competition threats.

• Lastly, you have to be prepared. Some office relationships last, while others end up bad. Make sure you consider the possibility that your love affair may not end up as you may have wanted it to be. Put things first, and create a backup plan. You certainly don't want an uncomfortable working environment if things do not work out.

Office romance can be a thrilling experience, perhaps even more so when it's with your boss. However, you have to be mindful of the pros and cons of the situation you're entering into. If you're prepared and ready to face any consequences, just like any relationship, don't forget to invest not only your love but respect along with it.  

Love and light,