Business and pleasure can mix if you play the game right. Find out how to tread that
                   tricky path called office romance.

                   Many long-term relationships start at the workplace. After all, the office is where you spend
                   most of your time.

                   It may not be a bad thing either, as work situations
                   allow you to get to know the other person much
                   more intimately.

                   But when sparks fly in the office, it is wise to
                   proceed with caution.

                   Here are some guidelines on how you can give
                   the relationship a real shot, while keeping a lid
                   on possible problems.

                    Understand the consequences

                   Work rivalry can get in the way. For example, if a superior is dating a subordinate, there
                   may be unkind gossip about favouritism, discrimination and prejudice. The office grapevine
                   can be malicious so be prepared to deal with it.

                    Test positive

                   Your hands may brush against each other when papers are passed. You may lean a little
                   too closely when discussing some project. Do these suggest deeper interest?

                   With an office romance, you have to be very sure that your interest is mutual. As
                   embarrassing as it may be potentially, you just have to talk it out with each other.

                    Don't kiss and tell

                   While you may be in seventh heaven and want to share your joy with your buddies at work,
                   don't. Keep details of your love life private. If someone probes, just change the subject.

                    Maintain formality and distance

                   This can help you maintain your professionalism. Also, you won't cross the line between
                   your work and private life, so you can maintain your colleague status more easily.

                   Believe it or not, it can actually help keep that romantic feeling going between the two of
                   you. Be conscious not to increase the amount of contact with your partner at work -- don't
                   lunch together more often than you did, or leave together after work.

                   You may think you have covered your tracks well and acted cool, but your colleagues will
                   catch on.

                    Productivity

                   Don't let your work suffer under the weight of long lunches, tea breaks and conversations in
                   the office pantry. You don't want to incur more hostility from your colleagues about your
                   relationship with your partner.

                   On the other hand, you may look forward to going to work now, and find new enthusiasm
                   for your work.

                    Third parties

                   Because you may want to keep your relationship under wraps for a while, you must be
                   prepared for other colleagues who may unknowingly flirt with your new partner.

                   Before you fly off the handle, remember that flirting does happen in the office, so keep
                   cool.

                    Cover your tracks

                   You don't want your messages to each other to end up unwittingly at someone else's
                   computer or desk.

                    Office policy

                   Check your company's policies on dating a co-worker. If your boss is unhappy, you may
                   want to ask for a transfer or change in workstations to minimise contact with each other on
                   an official basis.

                    Breaking up

                   This is always hard to do because you still have to face each other every day, work
                   together on projects or worse, go on business trips together.

                   While you may not lose your job over your break-up, you may find it hard to keep going.

                   But if you have played it cool at work and no one caught on about your relationship, you
                   should do well.