Musts After an Office Romance Bust

You did it and now the past cannot be undone. Against your better judgment, you became involved in an office romance with an attractive coworker. At the time, you probably gave little thought to the possibility that the sizzle would one day fizzle. But before you had time to get your thoughts in order, your office romance came to an end.

Now the thrill is truly gone - for one of you, at least - and it's time to move on. However, you cannot completely move on because you still have to coexist with your ex at the office. The office romance is over, but the work relationship is not. What are you to do?

Office Romance Bust Tip #1: "Mum's the Word"

Yes, inquiring minds want to know. And we all know that there will always be inquiring minds at the office! Your office romance was the subject of gossip from the very beginning and now that it is over, everyone wants to know why.

If you are lucky, your ex is mature enough to keep everything that took place between the two of you confidential. But even if that is not the case, you do not have to offer any information to anyone about the beginning, middle or end of your office romance. When people begin to probe, you can simply say, "I don't discuss my personal life at work," or just change the subject. If they do not understand, then let that be their problem and not yours.

Office Romance Bust Tip #2: Fake It 'Til the Storm Has Passed

You still have feelings for this person, and seeing them every day only conjures memories of fun and romantic times that you shared together. The office romance is over and your ex seems to have moved on, but you most certainly have not. At this point, it would be in your best interest professionally not to wear your emotions on your sleeve.

You will want to avoid screaming at the administrative assistant, staring into space during staff meetings, and blaring sad love songs in your office or cubicle. No matter how much you hurt inside, keep it to yourself! Letting everyone else know how broken up you are about the end of your office romance will only drag out the time it takes for your heart to heal. It may also cost you your job!

Office Romance Bust Tip #3: Get Back to Business

When your office romance was alive and thriving, you loved going to work each day. After the bust, your outlook changed dramatically. Now that your life is void of sweet phone calls, sexy text messages, romantic lunch dates or exciting plans for the evening, you must find some other motivation inside of yourself to get through the work day.

At this point, the best thing that you can do is focus on the job that you were hired to do. Of course, that's what you should have been doing in the first place. But since you weren't fired for slacking off, you still have a chance to get yourself together. Begin with a self-assessment of yourself as an employee. Are you just getting by - doing the bare minimum to stay employed - or do your contributions make you a real asset to the company? Raise the bar on your own performance and work to elevate it to a higher level.

Office Romance Bust Tip #4: Change Your Routine and if Possible, Change Your Hours!

Are you still going to the same spot for lunch that you and your ex went to every day? Do you still pass by those secret hideaways where you two used to meet up during your breaks - and reminisce about the way things were? Avoiding your ex after an office romance breakup might sound like a sign of weakness, but it's actually not a bad idea, especially if feelings of love, loss, longing, or outright anger still remain.

If changing your work hours is a possibility and won't disrupt your life outside of work, then by all means do it! Work it out with your supervisor but keep your reasons general (don't divulge any incriminating information). If the situation is really bad and you work for a very large company or a company with multiple locations, you can begin setting your sights on a transfer. If you choose this route, however, focus on a move that will not just help you get away from you ex, but one that will also help you advance in your career!

Office Romance Bust Tip #5: Say "No" to Future Office Romance Prospects

You've finally managed to get over the breakup of your office romance, but now a new love interest has come along. Whether it's a new hire, or someone you've known all along but never became intimately involved with, you begin to think that love could really be better the second time around. Big mistake.

No matter how tempted you may be to embark on another love venture at the office, do your absolute best to avoid it. First, consider yourself fortunate that you were able to bounce back after the previous romance with your job and your sanity still intact. Why gamble with these again?

Instead of jumping in and out of romantic liaisons at the office, learn to embrace platonic friendships with people who have similar job responsibilities or personal interests. These should be people that you have no romantic interest in whatsoever (and vice versa). Not only can such friendships help to enrich your work experience, but they may also last for the rest of your life!