A relationship expert has said that people attracted to their co-workers often aren’t in love with them, but rather have ‘office goggles’.
Similar to beer goggles – used to refer to the effect that alcohol has on a person’s visual perception – work goggles are when you are attracted to somebody just because they are your colleague.
Molly, from London, spoke on her podcast 2 Girls 1 Pup about fancying people you work with – and warned people not to fall into the trap.
She questioned whether there was something ‘in the water coolers’ or whether the ‘fluorescent lighting’ made workmates seem more attractive.
‘You’ve heard about beer goggles but let’s talk about office goggles. [There’s] one person in the office who you would never look twice at if you had met them under normal circumstances,’ she said on TikTok.
Molly (pictured), from London, spoke on her podcast 2 Girls 1 Pup about fancying people you work with – and warned people not to fall into the trap
‘But for some reason, in the office, they are a sex bomb, they are everything you’ve ever looked for in a partner and more.
‘Maybe it’s just the fact that you are forced to spend 38 hours a week with that person.’
Dipti Tait, a relationship therapist from the Cotswolds, told MailOnline that colleagues who, in some cases, spend more time together than with their partners or families, feel more connected as a result.
‘When individuals spend extensive time together in a professional setting, the brain undergoes a fascinating process of neurochemical bonding,’ she said.
‘Similar to the way oxytocin fosters connection and trust in romantic relationships, the brain releases this ‘bonding hormone’ during collaborative tasks and moments of shared achievement at work.
‘Through repetitive exposure and shared experiences, the brain starts associating positive feelings and rewards with the presence of the colleague.
‘This can override initial impressions and preferences, leading to a newfound attraction.
‘Spending copious hours together undeniably plays a role. The brain’s familiarity bias kicks in, where repeated exposure to a stimulus – in this case, a colleague – breeds comfort and, sometimes, attraction.’
Dipti said workplace relationships come with inherent risks, including ‘potential conflicts of interest,’ adding that attraction can create awkwardness in a professional setting.
Dipti Tait (pictured) a relationship therapist from the Cotswolds, told MailOnline that colleagues who spend a lot of time together may feel romantically connected as a result
Meanwhile, TikTokker Molly warned those against getting involved romantically and said that it’s not worth the stress
Users took to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts on office relationships – with many agreeing about the peril of ‘office goggles’
She added that anyone experiencing ‘office goggles’ should prioritise professionalism and clear communication.
‘If feelings are mutual, establishing boundaries, and considering potential consequences becomes imperative,’ the relationship expert added.
‘Seek support from trusted confidants or, if necessary, professional guidance to navigate the complexities of workplace romance with finesse.’
But TikTokker Molly warned those listening against getting involved romantically with colleagues and said it’s not worth the stress.
She said: ‘The next time you are at office drinks at a Thursday night, [and are] a couple of glasses of cheap wine down, and you start thinking to yourself [that] Jack from the tech development team could be the love of my life, I beg you, I implore you, just take 30 seconds and step back and think to yourself, “if I saw him in the street, would I actually like him? Or is it just the work goggles?”.
‘I promise you, it feels like a sexy fling at the time but it’s not worth the anxiety.’
Users took to the video, which has racked up almost 200,000 views, to share their thoughts.
One wrote: ‘No one falls in love quicker than two married work colleagues.’
Another penned: ‘I always remind myself he’s your coworker and your bored.’
A third said: ‘I met my partner at work, been together 21 years and I can tell you, it was office goggles.’
A third commented: ‘From someone who’s had two work relationships (both sat on the same block of desks), you don’t need that heat in your life bros. I left a trail of carnage behind. ‘
