What's Your Rating When It Comes to Dating?

By: Fast CompanyTue Dec 18, 2007 at 5:36 PM

How do you rate on the Date-O-Meter?

Some people are tempted to start a relationship because they want to violate the company's unwritten rule against such affairs. If you're doing it to break a taboo, researchers say you'll lose your coworkers' respect. Score three points for A, two for B, and one point for C through E.

9. What's the most you're willing to sacrifice to have an intimate relationship with this person?

A. Nothing

B. A few lunch hours.

C. A promotion.

D. A pay raise.

E. My job.

F. My career.

You never know what a relationship might cost until you're in the midst of it, so it's important to weigh the consequences. Even a fling can have major repercussions. For example, of the 100 female executives Mainiero surveyed, 63% said that their career would be compromised by getting involved with a coworker. Score three for A or B, one for C through F.

10. Do you think this relationship is likely to last?

A. Yes.

B. No.

Researchers warn that when an affair breaks up, sexual harassment may follow especially if the relationship is between a boss and a subordinate. Add one point for A, three points for B.

Understanding your Score

You're playing with fire, Charles Pierce says, if you've scored 25 points or more. There are too many hot situations for you to escape without getting burned. Even if the relationship doesn't get you terminated or divorced, you'll probably be labeled unprofessional by your peers.

A score between 12 and 24 is a yellow light. Proceed with caution. You might be tempted to start something simply because you've got a rebellious streak, but you could easily get more excitement than you bargained for.

You've scored less than 12? Before you start e-mailing love notes, recognize what you're about to do: getting serious with an office-mate will complicate your life.

Coordinates: E-mail questions -- or your Date-O-Meter scores with accompanying comments -- to Charles Pierce, upycp@gemini.oscs.montana.edu .