Are 'work spouses' a cause for concern in relationships?
Naturally, close relationships develop between colleagues. Some could be harmless, while some, like the 'work spouse' relationship, may be considered a threat to a relationship.
Have you ever wondered if your husband or wife swaps you for another person when he or she leaves you for work in the morning?
The relationship is normally platonic, so there's no sexual intimacy, but it's so close that it mimics marriage, and it’s referred to as having a ‘work wife’ or ‘work husband’. Although it’s usually said and referred to in a fun way, it’s actually a very real thing in most offices.
So what is a work spouse? Well, according to CNBC, a work spouse is defined as "a strong relationship between two platonic colleagues, usually of the opposite sex, which includes a bond similar to that of a married couple."
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If you are someone who thinks that love has anything to do with it, most work spouses are actually in separate romantic relationships. However, that’s not to say that work spouses can’t or won’t become romantically involved with each other. It depends on how strong the bond is between the two parties.
How do you know if you have a work spouse? CNN has put together some signs which may help you:
- You both finish each other's sentences
- You rely on each other for food and office snacks
- There are jokes that only you both understand
- Blatant honesty is not an issue
- De-brief sessions after something happens in the office is a given
- You feel comfortable to share personal things about your life with the other
Some may say it's harmless, but it seems that others think that it is a cause for concern. I surveyed East Coast Radio's Twitter audience, and 63% believe it is, in fact, an issue.
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What about you? Would you be concerned if you discovered that your partner has a work spouse?