Work relationships are common tropes in romance novels, rom-coms, and TV shows. From The Hating Game to The Love Hypothesis, the coworkers to lovers theme is more popular than ever — but how does it work out in real life? In books and movies, these sordid relationships always work out perfectly, but that’s not always the case when actual coworkers hook up.
A Reddit thread asking “Women who have slept with someone at work, how did things turn out?” dove into this exact question, and the answers show how wildly different things can end up, depending on the situation. Here are some of the responses:
We went back to being strangers.
“Seriously dated one of my coworkers. Unfortunately, we broke up due to not aligning with our long-term goals. We still work in the same unit and it’s very sad. It’s like going back to strangers from knowing everything about someone, and I see this person that I still very much care about, existing and living life but without each other. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I wouldn’t ever date a coworker, but tread carefully. I have no regrets and still have many good memories from the relationship.” –lhy13
He found a new coworker to sleep with.
“We got married.., had kids… 17 years later he found a new coworker to sleep with while still living with me and our kids… continues with new coworker… 2 years after that we are divorcing.” –That_Bluebird2477
It was just supposed to be a fling.
“Well, I slept with a coworker almost 9 years ago. It was just supposed to be a lil fling. We just got engaged 2 weeks ago.” –decemberisforcynics
It makes going into the office more fun.
“Slept together once 9 months ago, now we just flirt daily and make eyes at each other during meetings. Don’t think there’s any intention of ever hooking up again but having someone to flirt with, knowing they’ll reciprocate, makes going into the office more fun! lol.” –IAmA-Little-Stitious
Someone ratted us out.
“I was a cocktail waitress, he was one of the managers (we are the same age.) He had to resign once someone ratted us out. But we’ve been together 5 years now and are getting married this October. 🥰 He’s the love of my life and we’ve built a beautiful life together.” –Scary-Package-9351
We ended up being friends.
“Not well. Months of awkwardness. Sort of hated each other for a little bit. People gossiping. I was very young, this was about 30 years ago and suffice to say, I never dated or hooked up with a coworker again. However, everyone’s story is different. We did end up being friends, and we still are 30 years later. He met another coworker and they have been married over 20 years. So, it worked out for him that time. This experience was enough for me to not want to do that again, though. Even though it’s possible to have a happy ending.” –redjessa
It made work more interesting.
“It ended without any drama. I was young and wanted to put a label on it before he was ready. His boss warned him that I could make things really bad for him if he broke my heart, but I didn’t. It was nice while it lasted. Definitely made work interesting and something I looked forward to.” –houwy
I didn’t realize I was the other woman.
“Disaster. I was the other woman. Did not realize until much later. Broke it off then and there. Though over it now, but the whole thing makes me angry, sad and guilty. Wish I had the gumption to reveal it all to his wife.” –Silentobserver000
We’re getting married.
“We ended things after two months, had a month apart and came back together. He proposed on our 6 year anniversary in May and we’re getting married next year!! I know some people who have managed to hide their coworker relationships for years, but it’s so tough and people found us out pretty quickly!” –trinityshealor
Obviously, coworker relationships can be risky, but sometimes they’re worth it in the end. Before starting a workplace romance of your own, make sure to double check your HR guidelines so you know if there are any reporting requirements!
