Have you ever had a serious relationship with a colleague?  Do you know any co-workers who are having an affair?

Research suggests that almost half of us have dated co-workers, and many would like to find love in a neighboring cubicle.

It is not surprising that romance springs up at work. We spend a third or more of our lives at the office. It's a non-threatening environment where we have an opportunity to meet people with similar backgrounds and interests. 

Co-workers are most likely to couple up while working together on a project. Other situations where romance begins include random non-work activities, happy hours, lunch and late work hours.

Studies show workplace relationships have a fairly high success rate, with roughly a quarter of them resulting in either a long-term relationship or marriage.

While romance on the job was once viewed as taboo, most employers now permit but discourage workplace affairs. The main reason is the potential for sexual harassment claims. 

What are the advantages of office romance? Handled well, it can lead to a rewarding relationship. Because you work together, you have something in common. And as we work longer hours, our chances of meeting someone elsewhere decline. Working with a colleague before dating allows you to learn what she is like. 

The downsides of office romance can be daunting. It may interfere with your ability to perform your job.  Gossip and jealousy may contribute to stress. 

There is potential for conflict of interests, particularly if you are in a subordinate-superior relationship. Colleagues may view a promotion as favoritism. 

Daily interactions may be awkward if the romance ends bitterly. Uncomfortable situations may arise when hiring and firing issues arise. In the worst-case scenario, a soured romance could cost your job or result in sexual harassment charges.

Most employees handle breakups well and move on. Sometimes, one or both employees may transfer to new roles.  In extreme cases, emotional stress may lead to acts of violence. 

-- Maintaining balance between professionalism and romance

If you find yourself romantically involved with a co-worker, consider the following: 

- Know company policies. Note whether your company forbids or discourages relationships between certain people or requires employees to report a budding relationship. Some employers want parties to sign an agreement stating they willingly entered the relationship, and may transfer one employee involved in the affair.

Notice unwritten company policies. Observe how other co-workers' involvements have affected their careers and reputations. 

- Lay down ground rules early. Be open and honest about your intentions and feelings. Know whether it's just physical attraction or a possible soul mate. Clarify what you both want from the relationship. If one person is looking for a fling and the other wants a ring, it won't work. Discuss how you'll behave at work. 

-  Proceed with caution. Ensure both of you have the maturity, judgment and tact to handle a potentially intense emotional experience. Consider undesirable consequences.  Know how you'll handle a breakup, and whether the relationship is worth the possibility of having to leave your job. 

- Watch body language. If your affection is not reciprocated, that person may feel uncomfortable. Arms crossed in front of the chest, lack of eye contact or one-word responses suggest no interest. 

Be aware of signals you're sending. Behavior that is sexual in nature such as shoulder-or back-rubbing is inappropriate. Don't continually ask a colleague out if she has said no. Compliment people on work-related performance rather than personal appearance. 

- Avoid relationships with superiors or subordinates. If you're dating a junior, you could be accused of harassment. If you're involved with your boss, you may hamper promotion possibilities.

Not only do these relationships raise the potential for sexual harassment claims, they may decrease department morale and raise suspicions of preferential treatment. If you can't live without each other, get your reporting relationship changed by transferring to another department or switching jobs.

Dating an unattached peer from another department is the best scenario for office romances. Peer relationships within a department tend to be accepted by co-workers, but competing for promotions or raises can put a strain on the relationship. Avoid extramarital affairs.

-  Maintain a professional image. Focus on tasks at hand. Meet deadlines, strive for excellence. Avoid indiscretions by building good work relationships. 

Avoid revealing attire. Ensure there is at least an inch between body and fabric and that your midriff, stomach, breasts, back and shoulders are covered. Hemlines should be no more than one hand-width above the knee. Use makeup sparingly.

- Be Discreet. Leave personal issues out of the workplace. Don't hold closed-door meetings, and refrain from open displays of affection. Avoid romantic e-mails and arguments. Don't dump one co-worker for another or date several people in the same company.

If handled responsibly, an office romance can be rewarding. Before getting involved, weigh professional risks with personal rewards.