Affairs in the workplace are not uncommon but for some reason people feel like they're taboo. An affair in the workplace can get messy but it can also be sexy and exciting. If you want to have an affair at work but you're not exactly sure how to go about it, take a look at the fool-proof list below.
Make a Decision
Before you decide to date a coworker, there are some issues that you need to think about. For starters, check your corporate policy and see if dating a coworker is prohibited. If dating in the office is not allowed then you must decide if this affair is worth the risk of losing your job. If dating is allowed then you need to decide if it's worth the potential awkwardness that will occur if you have a bad breakup. If your affair goes sour you're going to have to see this person at work everyday, so you must make sure that you will be able to handle that.
Initiation
If there's someone at work that you're interested in you need to approach them in a subtle way. For example, get a group of coworkers (including that person) to go out for lunch, or to get some drinks after work. Going out in a group makes your interest in your coworker very subtle but it will allow you to talk to them one-on-one. Even though other people will be there you can make an effort to talk to that person and see if they seem interested. If the two of you seem to connect then ask only him/her to go to lunch the next day.
Keep It On the DL
Once the affair has taken off you should make a conscious effort to keep it on the DL, at least for a little while. If the affair is a one-time occurrence or it ends within a week, there is no reason for the rest of the office to know (particularly if it's against policy). Don't mention the affair on a coffee break or confide in a fellow coworker; if you need to tell someone, tell a close friend that has no association with your work. Don't suddenly begin to act differently toward your coworker because that will draw attention to the two of you. If it's not against company policy to date a coworker then you don't need to be super concerned if other people find out, but you also don't need to broadcast it.
Keep The Affair Separate
No matter how tempting it might be to hook up in the supply room, try to keep your personal life separate from the workplace. Don't become so enamored with your affair that it affects your work. Particularly if people know that you're dating someone at work, you could become the target of criticism if your work is mediocre; coworkers and your boss will associate your lack off effort with your affair, even if the two are totally unrelated. Also, engaging in PDA or "baby-talk" in the office is unprofessional and it will make other people feel uncomfortable.
Take Advantage
Although you should keep the affair separate from your work, you can also take advantage of the fact that you work together. You can send each other e-mails from your offices or cubicles, or even little naughty texts. Also, you can dress professionally (yet sexy) and make sure that your lover sees you. Not to mention, you can steal a little kiss once or twice if you walk past each other in a private area. You can use your common workplace to your advantage but just remember to be discreet.
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