Competition:

1. a test of skill or ability; a contest
2. rivalry between two or more businesses striving for the same customer or market It has been said, that your partner always brings out the "better" side of you, in most cases that is true. But with working in the same place as your significant other, it can bring out the "competitive" part of a person. In my opinion, I believe working with someone you are dating, may not necessarily always benefit you, your company, or secure your position. Competition has its positives and its negatives, but it is all up to the individual to use it properly, and not only to his or her advantage. I strongly believe that when you are dating someone whom you also work with, a competitive streak will eventually come out; it may start off as your attempt in trying to "impress" your partner, but in the end it could just as well evolve into a small rivalry with one another. A little competition is always healthy, but if you are only doing it for personal reasons, that’s just wrong and unnecessary. Not only does this complicate your relationship, but it brings tension within the company, fellow co-workers and possibly even the customers.

Credit to:

• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/competition (for the definition
• http://www.drexel.edu/univrel/digest/archive/112106/gender.jpg (for the photo)

With that being said.. What if the co-worker/couple showed PDA during work? Is that appropriate? Although I've never seen it, I’m sure it happens all the time.Some people may not find it offence but rather cute but in my opinion it is completely inappropriate. It does not only make your fellow employees feel very uncomfortable, but the customers as well. Lets just be honest, its awkward enough to see two people kissing or hugging in public never mind people working at the store you're shopping at!

- Caitlin

Credit to: http://www.harrisonpark.com/support/images/couple_hug.jpg for the photo

Response to Caitlin's Blog Entry on Feb. 16, 2010:

I personally don't think its okay to date someone you work with. Dating someone from the same workplace just brings drama and complications. At first it may not seem to be a big deal, but eventually as the relationship progresses, the two individuals may begin to see flaws in the other. This can only bring tension within their relationship which may result in tension at the workplace. I'm a true believe that work should remain work and complicating things by dating should not be allowed.

At my current job there was actually two individuals who started dating. I didn't feel like it was any of my business, so I didn't say anything to them or anyone else in the workplace, I really didn't care. I came to work and not involve myself with the people on a personal level. The two dated for nearly a month until the supervisors caught on, they tried denying it but too many people were talking about them by this time. No one expected any commotion, until one day the two were called in to the office to have a "talk". One of them was placed into another kiosk, which was no problem for him/her except for the fact, he/she was an important part of the current kiosk they had worked in.

Where do you draw the line between coworkers having relationships within the workplace?

Have you ever been the new girl at work, trying to fit with everyone, and make new friends, only to find out they were all already friends and possibly more? Because I have. In less than a week working at this company I found out more people were dating each other, then not dating each other, this was very new to me but I went along with it anyway. My question is, is it okay to be dating someone you work with? Are there rules stating that you can or cannot date them?

- Caitlin

Credit to: http://www.welfareatwork.co.uk/images/11036.jpg for the photo