Since magazines are mainly dominated by women, I haven't gotten to experience a true office crush. Watching New Girl's Jess struggle with her growing feelings for her adorable British coworker has kind of made me wish I could! It seems like such a thrill, especially based on my friends' stories. At the same time, I realize that having a crush on a coworker can be its own special kind of hell. Here are some of the best and worst parts of feeling cuckoo for a colleague.
Best
You get to see him all the time. You wake up in the morning and know that no matter how crappy the rest of your day is, you'll get a glimpse of your affection's glorious face at some point. Sometimes it's the only thing that gets you out of bed.
It's an easy way to figure him out. Work offers such a unique opportunity to get to know someone. You likely spend more time at the office than you do at home! You get to see how your S.O. (in your head, anyway) acts under pressure, collaborates with others, and, if you're lucky, looks in a suit. Yum.
Flirting 24/7. Nothing can brighten your day like a good dose of flirting. Secret smiles, lingering glances, quick arm touches...I'm feeling happy just thinking about it.
Worst
You have to see him all the time. While this can be a pro, as you read above, there's a chance that it's sometimes a major con. When I was working in an office, I didn't roll into the building like a supermodel every day. Of course, the day you feel most off looks-wise or are under terrible stress is when you'll get partnered up with your crush to work on a project.
There's a lot on the line. You know, that whole responsibility thing? Even when offices don't outright frown upon fraternizing, getting too wrapped up in your crush can make it hard to focus. Plus, if you do date and break up, there's all that lovely awkwardness to deal with.
You have to hear about his love life. There are so many reasons your work crush may be off-limits, and one of them might be that he's taken. Having to hear about his wonderful relationship every day might shove you right to the brink of craziness. My advice? Channel all that energy into dating so you can find someone who steals all your attention, both in and out of work.
Have you ever had an office crush? How did it turn out?
