Employers often try to discourage staff from forming sentimental attachments with each other at work. But the fact is that many of us meet our partners in the workplace, and romance is as much a part of office life as coffee cups and computer networks.

But is it a really a good idea to fall in love with a colleague or boss? Is a professional association a good basis for a romantic relationship? Or could this be a disaster waiting to happen?

Pros and cons
One of the main problems of an office romance is that your career could suffer. At the very least you may be tempted to spend more time hanging round the object of your affection than achieving your work targets. When people find out, they could start gossiping. If you are dating your boss (or if you are the boss), colleagues will be looking out for hints of favouritism.

And say your partner dumps you, what then? It will be hard to hide your hurt and move on, because you risk bumping into your ex-lover every time you take a trip to the water cooler. And if you want to break it off, it's not so easy to say goodbye to someone you see every day.

All the same, the office romance has much to recommend it. You're guaranteed a partner for office parties and there's always someone nice to share a lift, a sarnie or a drink after work. It's fantastic for your stress levels because you will help each other to see the funny side of office politics or you can commiserate over petty frustrations.

It doesn't matter whether it's a short-term fling or a lifetime partnership, you have to work hard at an office relationship to give it a chance of success.

Making it work
Be patient: it really is worth taking things slowly, because your career and ultimately your whole life could suffer if the office Romeo turns out to be the company rat Be open: don't try to keep the relationship a secret because this will lead to endless speculation and gossip Be discreet: resist the urge to hold hands in team meetings, snog behind the filing cabinets or have sex in the broom cupboard Be careful: if you fancy one of your colleagues, make sure the feeling is reciprocated before you make a move. These days both men and women can be accused of sexual harassment if they persist with unwanted advances Be professional: it's vital to continue to perform your job effectively. You may be in love, but as far as work goes, you are not an 'item'. You are an independent person with your own ambitions, your own skills and your own opinions.

If things turn sour
A broken heart is not a legitimate reason for throwing a sickie, so if the relationship ends, you have to continue with the usual routines. And if you were the one who walked away, you may be feeling angry or guilty. Either way, it's a distraction you don't need when you are trying to focus on work activities.

The only solution is to pretend to be fine. Throw darts at his photo or sob into your pillow at home if it helps, but at work act as if you are not upset by the break-up. Get a new outfit, invest in new haircut, smile broadly, and pretty soon your emotions will catch up with your behaviour. You will find that you are over him and can move on.

Many people have found that being dumped by the office Romeo was the thing that prompted them to see things clearly again. It may be just the trigger you need to identify fresh goals, investigate new jobs and improve your skills. You never know, it could be the best thing that ever happened!