Why a work-spouse is a threat to your marriage

N EARLY half of all professionals have or wish they had a ‘work spouse’, according to a recent survey.

A work spouse is a co-worker, usually of the opposite sex that someone has a close relationship with.

It’s often just platonic so there’s no sexual intimacy but it’s too close that it mimics marriage.

Whether a woman is threatened or merely amused by this relationship, chances are the partner’s having one – even if he isn’t aware of it.

In a survey conducted by Totaljobs.com, a staggering 65 per cent said they thought a lot of people already had a ‘work wife’ or ‘work husband’ without realising it. These relationships are  having huge  impacts on real marriages.

Sixty per cent of employees say having friends at work is the most crucial part of a happy working life.

Having a work spouse means you’ve got a cheerleader when work is tough, a sounding block, someone to go to if you get awful news and someone to talk to if you have problems at home.

People spend more time at work than anywhere else and often stay connected even when they aren’t there through email, text and social media.

Consequently, they sometimes know their work colleagues better than their partners.

This is what makes work ‘marriages’ so special: the person has seen the other at their best and worst. They accept each other’s flaws as well and this is why these relationships are so dangerous.

Men are often more honest with their work wives

Studies show couples who say they are loved ‘warts and all’ by their partner are much happier and committed to those who think their partner puts them on a pedestal.

We are closest to the people who know the most about us

If your partner is chatting intimately about his life more to his work wife than you, your relationship is in danger.

Several relationships break up because of confidences shared that shouldn’t have been.

Sharing with a third person has an impact

Even if he’s talking about intimate things with both of you, sharing with a third person outside your relationship still has impact.

However, sometimes, having a work wife who is on your side can have a hugely positive effect on your relationship.

Familiarity breeds lust and love

Most work spouse relationships start out innocently: most people never expect it to turn into an affair or romantic relationship and are devastated if that does happen.

But it’s easy to see how it does. They initially make friends because they have a similar sense of humour, outlook on life and personality.

They watch each other’s back at work and trust grows, they become reliant on each other’s opinion, realise just how much they miss each other if they’re off work.

Even if they don’t feel physically attracted at the start, research consistently shows the more time people spend with someone, the more they are attracted to them.

This doesn’t mean all work spouse relationships are dangerous but it does mean it’s more probable there will be some sort of ‘moment’ when one or both will be tempted to cross the line.

If your partner ends up snogging some random girl while drunk in a nightclub on a stag do, it’s a horrible betrayal but one that’s unlikely to go anywhere.

A kiss with his work wife is a life changing moment.

They already have a solid relationship base. Add a kiss or ‘moment’ when it’s clear they’re viewing each other sexually rather than platonically (and like what they see) and the work marriage suddenly turns into a real one.

Culled from www.dailymail.co.uk