We know that attraction is often created when you work in  proximity with someone. You see them everyday and get to know them.  You talk regularly, share problems, laugh and spend hours in each other’s company. In fact, surveys data tell us that 74% of people have dated a co-worker.

But is dating your co-worker a good idea?

Office romances can be exciting, but also problematic. Consider these 10 issues when deciding to date a co-worker:

1) Know your company’s policy on dating co-workers. If there is one that prohibits this, do not do it.

2) When the relationship isn’t going well, remember, you can’t avoid the person. The smaller the office, the more awkward this can be.

3) Focusing on a co-worker as a dating partner often alienates you from other co-workers. You stop going to lunch with others, talking during coffee breaks, and getting to know other people because your time and energy is with the one you are dating.

4) If your workplace frowns on dating co-workers, but doesn’t directly forbid it, this can jeopardize your chance of promotion. Administrators may believe it is difficult to stay “professional” when your personal life intersects with the office.

5) A break up puts you in an awkward place. And you don’t know how people may respond to a break up. He or she could seek revenge or undermine your work. They could become passive-aggressive or avoid you.

6) Dating a person to whom you report to is doubly problematic. The inequality of power places you in a vulnerable position and can be manipulated. If you are the boss, you could  be sued or accused of giving preferential treatment.

7) If you are quarreling out of the office, it may be difficult not to bring it to the office. Boundaries are needed and may be difficult to enforce.

8) Other co-workers could get jealous and set you up for negative consequences.

9) What you share with a person you date,  could be shared with the office after a break up. There is no guarantee of confidentiality.

10) This may seem obvious, but the co-worker may not be single. According to infidelityfacts.com, 36% of men and women admit to having an affair with a co-worker. The workplace is the number one place to meet someone for an affair. Avoid breaking up a marriage or doing something you will later regret. This does not end well in almost every care.