Even consensual work romance often leads to one person leaving within 12 months. The lower-power person (junior, newer, female, minority) suffers more.

With many of us spending a significant amount of time at work, it's no surprise that romantic relationships often blossom in the office. However, this can create a delicate balance between personal and professional life. On one hand, a workplace romance can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals and build a strong connection with someone who shares similar interests and values. On the other hand, it can lead to complications, such as conflicts of interest, favoritism, or even harassment allegations.

However, the path wasn't simple. The "social topics" that Maya championed—transparency, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability—were the very things Elias spent his career avoiding. He feared that a within their shared professional circle would compromise his reputation or, worse, disrupt the sanctuary he had built in his work.

The heaviest load of all is non-consensual participation. When two people engage in romance, everyone who observes them—colleagues, friends, waitstaff—is a silent participant.

Never use company Slack, Teams, or email for romantic messages.