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Office romance? Serious applicants only

Story Highlights
Office romances are NOT a good idea, but they do happen
Writer says women need to maintain some standards at work
They include making sure their romantic partners are serious about relationship
Also, consider if relationship ends badly, how will it affect your job

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By Nikki Dowling

(The Frisky) -- I'm not going to lie and say I have never hooked up with a coworker. I have. That said, I don't think it's a particularly good idea.

Public displays of affection or even the evidence of such actions are a no-no at work.

Ladies, we need people to take us seriously at work, glass ceiling be damned. If you are diddling the dude who sits at the other end of the office, chances are, he's admiring your legs rather than the speed at which you typed up that report.

But while I don't think one-night stands or friends with benefits are good for the office, romance happens. So, what if you develop real feelings for one of your coworkers? Here are five dos and don'ts of office dating:

1. Serious applicants only: Leave your casual hookups for the bar and club scene. You won't be respected if people at work think you open your legs for anything that crosses your path. Also, if your coworker doesn't think your fling is going anywhere he'll be more likely to blab about it to his cubicle neighbor. iReport.com: Have you ever been in an office romance?

2. Rule book: If you do decide to pursue something with one of your office buddies, set the ground rules. You two should probably keep your relationship on the Down Low. Don't complain about your partner problems to the gal you go on coffee runs with.

3. No PDA: This is super obvious. Also, be careful about coming and going at the same time. Peeps will get suspicious. The Frisky: How NOT to date a coworker

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4. Bossy: Women's Health suggests that you tell your boss. I'm going to go out on a limb here and ... disagree! Yeah, why would you do that? If you two are careful, no one will find out. Maybe if your relationship starts to get really serious you could think about dishing on the details, but save that for later in case things don't work out. The Frisky: My office romance went horribly wrong

5. Pulling rank: If the coworker you're shaggin' could also be the one to send you packin', you are making a big mistake. Always ask yourself: If this relationship ends badly will it affect my job?

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