So there is this cute girl in finance who always smiles at you when you walk by her desk… and you do make it a point to walk by her desk at least a dozen times a day! What better day than Feb 14th to profess your love for her, right?

Wrong! You could be playing with fire!  

Even if your company does not have a policy about workplace romance, it is risky at best to get romantically involved with a co-worker. Risks range from embarrassment if she turns you down in front of your colleagues (and people start talking about it), to a full-blown sexual harassment complaint!

That said, the heart knows no rationality and if yours still beats for her (or him, for that matter!) and you really do want to express your undying devotion, at least read the following points – carefully – before you take the leap of faith!

1. Avoid drama - yes, the romance of getting down on your knees and offering your heart with a red rose and heart shaped candies can make anyone melt! But at the workplace it is best to avoid the drama. Even if you are sure she (or he) will say yes, avoid making a scene on the floor. Do not propose in public; instead speak privately in a place that would be considered safe too.
2. Give space – don’t pressurise them for a yes or no right away. Leave room for her/him to think about it and reply. That way they will also have the opportunity to weigh the pros and cons of a romantic relationship with a co-worker; and rest assured there are many cons, which you ought to consider yourself too!
3. Take heed of body language – watch carefully and back off if you think she/he is uncomfortable. Is she looking away, or withdrawing? Did he lean away from you? Did she take a step back? If you sense discomfort, give them a way out. Do not, and I repeat, do not persist or pressurise in any way!
4. Take no for an answer! Only in Bollywood (and perhaps Holly and Tolly and Kolly and Molly…) does the hero win a prize for persistence. In real life, you are more likely to get a sexual harassment complaint filed against you if you persist. So, unless you want a #MeToo by your name, back off!
5. PDA is a big NO! Assuming all goes well, and you are both equally in love, do resist the urge to announce your new-found joy to your whole office by holding hands, whispering sweet nothings and showering each other with attention all through the working day! Remember you are at work to work. Be professional! And needless to mention, PDA makes others uncomfortable too.  
6. Dig out the HR manual and check your office policy on workplace romance. Even if it’s not forbidden, a lot of organisations have a disclosure policy. Whatever the policy, be sure to comply.

Maybe Cupid did make it past the security at the gates to strike you both with his golden arrow but take care not to risk your professional image and career for it!

And if you are her reporting manager or responsible for her work in any way, you need to be extremely careful since it could be assumed to be coercion due to the power differential.

Have a good – and safe – Valentine’s Day!