ReZoom

When songwriter Shirley Eikhard wrote Bonnie Raitt's 1991 hit "Something to Talk About," she may or may not have been writing about romance in the workplace. But this song about letting mutual attraction out of the closet could well be the anthem for couples whose relationships, for better or worse, begin (and often end) at work.

Workplace romance numbers have risen steadily for years, due in part to the millions of divorcees and never-marrieds whose only social interaction, apart from the grocery store, takes place at work. Also, since we spend nearly a third of our lives at work, it only makes sense that we get to know people there.

Common sense dictates that we not become involved with co-workers. But when hormones and human nature enter the picture, common sense usually takes a vacation. So if you're going to listen to your heart and your libido instead of your brain, here are a few practical thoughts to consider.

Be wise, don't advertise.
No matter what your age, you're bound to be a little giddy in the early stages of a new relationship and want to scream to the world that you're in love. But with the possible exception of that special co-worker confidant, keep your office romance to yourself. Word will get out soon enough, and the speculation and interest will die down sooner if you keep everything on the down-low.

Don't communicate constantly.
More and more companies monitor employee e-mails these days, so excessive writing to each other just isn't smart. The same goes for calling one another -- you'll invariably be interrupted by someone who will gossip about how much time the two of you spend on the phone. If you must communicate, try writing through your own ISP or a personal account, or text on your cell from a bathroom stall.

Don't air your dirty laundry at work.
Nobody gets along 100 percent of the time, and nothing will make your boss and co-workers take notice like when the two of you are obviously having problems. This is especially true if both of you are in the same department and have to, say, make an important presentation to a client after a major disagreement. Stay up half the night and settle your issues if you have to, but try not to take your troubles to work.

Give the romance room to grow.
Don't drive to and from work together. And going to lunch separately is a good idea, too. You'll not only keep the rumor mill quieter, you'll also probably help the relationship. Familiarity can breed contempt, but space can make the heart grow fonder.

Be grownups.
If it looks like you have a future together as a couple, figure out if working together is going to be detrimental to either your relationship or your jobs, and discuss which one of you might want to move on to a different employer. After all, love is hopefully forever, but you could be downsized next week. Decide which is more important, and be prepared if you have to choose between love and your career.