Cheating in the WorkPlace

The number 1 place where affairs begin is in the workplace.

In her book Not ‘Just Friends’, Dr. Shirley Glass says, “The new infidelity is between people who unwittingly form deep, passionate connections before realizing that they’ve crossed the line from platonic friendship into romantic love. Eighty-two percent of the 210 unfaithful partners I’ve treated have had an affair with someone who was, at first, ‘just a friend’. Today’s workplace has become the new danger zone of romantic attraction and opportunity.”

Glass says the old kind of workplace romance between a powerful executive and his single young secretary no longer reflects today’s office relationship. The new kind of office romance occurs between colleagues who first become emotionally attached; the type who is not thinking about cheating on their spouse. Men and women who work closely together can quickly become attracted to each other. Why? They often share the same work interests and think nothing wrong of spending time over coffee or lunch since they have no intention of cheating on their spouse. It is natural to feel attracted to someone else, even if you are in a happy marriage. The reality is, lunch between married friends, no matter what their intentions, can have unanticipated and dangerous consequences.

Shirley Glass provides some basic rules to help avoid the new infidelity:

  • Don’t allow yourself to think about being with another person, because thoughts lead to actions.
  • Don’t flirt, because it tells others you are available.
  • Stay away from dangerous situations, because anyone can be tempted.

Another way to protect your marriage is via boundaries. Let your spouse in about what goes on during the work day. Invite them to work social events and/or invite colleagues over to your house for dinner. Maintain a strong, open relationship with your spouse, and firm boundaries with others outside your marriage. Prevent cheating in the workplace.

Many Blessings,

Carissa