A relationship expert has said that people who are attracted to their coworkers are often not in love with them, but rather have “office glasses.”
Similar to beer glasses – used to refer to the effect alcohol has on a person’s visual perception – work glasses are for when you’re attracted to someone just because they’re your co-worker.
Molly, from London, spoke on her podcast 2 Girls 1 Puppy about liking people you work with – and warned people not to fall into the trap.
She wondered if there was something “in the water coolers” or if the “fluorescent lighting” made colleagues more attractive.
‘You’ve heard of beer glasses, but let’s talk about office glasses. (There is) one person in the office who you would never look twice at if you met under normal circumstances,” she said on TikTok.
Molly (pictured), from London, spoke on her podcast 2 Girls 1 Pup about liking the people you work with – and warned people not to fall into the trap
‘But for some reason they’re a sex bomb in the office, they’re everything you’ve ever wanted in a partner and more.
“Maybe it’s just the fact that you have to spend 38 hours a week with that person.”
Dipti Tait, a relationship therapist from the Cotswolds, told MailOnline that in some cases colleagues who spend more time together than with their partners or families feel more connected as a result.
“When individuals spend a lot of time together in a professional environment, the brain undergoes a fascinating process of neurochemical bonding,” she said.
‘Just as oxytocin promotes connection and trust in romantic relationships, the brain releases this ‘bonding hormone’ during collaborative tasks and moments of shared achievement at work.
‘Through repeated exposure and shared experiences, the brain begins to associate positive feelings and rewards with the coworker’s presence.
‘This can overturn first impressions and preferences, leading to renewed attraction.
‘Spending many hours together undeniably plays a role. The brain’s familiarity bias sets in, where repeated exposure to a stimulus – in this case a colleague – produces comfort and sometimes attraction.’
Dipti said workplace relationships carry inherent risks, including “potential conflicts of interest,” adding that attraction in a professional environment can cause awkwardness.
Dipti Tait (pictured), a relationship therapist from the Cotswolds, told MailOnline that colleagues who spend a lot of time together can feel romantically connected as a result
Meanwhile, TikTokker Molly warned those against getting romantically involved, saying it’s not worth the stress
Users took to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts on office relationships – with many agreeing on the danger of ‘office glasses’
She added that anyone experiencing “office glasses” should prioritize professionalism and clear communication.
“When feelings are mutual, setting boundaries and considering possible consequences becomes imperative,” the relationship expert added.
“Seek support from trusted confidantes or, if necessary, professional guidance to navigate the complexities of workplace romance with finesse.”
But TikTokker Molly warned listeners about romantic relationships with coworkers, saying it’s not worth the stress.
She said: ‘The next time you’re having a drink at the office on a Thursday evening, (and) you’ve had a few glasses of cheap wine, and you start to think to yourself (that) Jack from the technical development team could be the love of my life, I beg you, I beg you, just take 30 seconds and step back and think to yourself, “If I saw him on the street, would I really like him? Or is it just the work glasses?”.
“I promise it feels like a sexy affair at the time, but it’s not worth the anxiety.”
Users watched the video, which has almost 200,000 views, to share their thoughts.
One wrote: ‘No one falls in love faster than two married colleagues.’
Another wrote: “I always remind myself that he’s your coworker and you’re bored.”
A third said: ‘I met my partner at work, been together for 21 years and let me tell you, it was office glasses.’
A third commented: ‘From someone who has had two work relationships (both sitting at the same desk), you don’t need that heat in your life, mates. I left a trail of carnage. ‘
