Letterman controversy prompts discussions of workplace relationships {Thanks, AP}

David Letterman’s candid discussion of an extortion attempt, due to sexual relationships with female staffers, will certainly prompt discussions about workplace relationships. This issue reminded me of a recent conversation I had with one of my best friends. It was about not getting too close to the people you work with.

It all began when I admitted I have a work spouse.

I’m pretty sure the “work wife, work husband” phenomenon isn’t new, but some people still take issue with those types of relationships. Maybe it’s because some people don’t really believe men and women can just be friends without becoming sexually attracted to one another.

My friend had this to say about work spouses, “It is just like a cuddle buddy except you’re getting paid during the time.” We all know cuddle buddy’s often lead one down a tricky road where someone’s feelings may eventually get hurt.

I, however, maintain that men and women can have platonic relationships, and therefore having a work spouse isn’t a problem.

My work wife and I have no illusions that ours’ is just a close friendship, built on mutual respect, and mutual support of one another. We frequently talk about our lives as young staffers, our future career ambitions and how we seek to be fulfilled personally.

At the same time, it works for us because we respect each other, and because we set boundaries. We understand we are merely good friends.

So how close is too close? How close do you allow yourself to get to co-workers?

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.