The experts may warn you until they’re blue in the face: beware of office romances. But there is that special someone: so cute — this could be the love of your life or at least the romance of your week.

You don’t want to just say “no” but you are at grave risk of one day getting fired if you say “yes”. No guarantees, but here are five ways to maximise your chances of enjoying a workplace romance and surviving to tell the tale.

1. Be honest with your partner

If you’re looking for a quick fling, don’t make long-term relationship noises. Candour is important, especially so in the workplace.

If you imply a possible wedding-bell future, and then after a hot date or two suddenly cool off, let alone start flirting with another officemate, you’re asking for big-time reprisals. Remember the old saying, “Hell hath no fury like a woman (or man) scorned”?

2. Think twice before romancing your boss

In some workplaces, this is strictly forbidden but even if it is permissible, beware. If later on, you dump your boss, he may retaliate. For example, “I need you to do this extra work.” “Sorry, I can’t let you take an extra 15 minutes for lunch.” The opportunities for torturing you can be endless.

In fairness, sometimes a relationship with a boss can yield special privileges, like a corner office. Even if the boss decides to end the relationship, he may give you a promotion or another perk to reduce the risk that you’ll file a grievance. One study found that 64 per cent of women who had a romantic relationship with their boss reported that, as a result, their work situation had improved.

3. Think before getting into a relationship with your junior

That’s risky even if the relationship is working well. Example, your honey begs you for a plum assignment, which you believe should go to someone else. But you feel forced to say yes. And if you break up, you’re in danger and could even end up losing your job.

4. Keep it under wraps

When you’re in love, it’s tempting to tell the world. Mistake. For from then on, the two of you will be under the microscope. It’s dangerous if the two of you are peers. If you’re seen helping your sweetie, someone might complain that you’re playing favourites. “But,” you protest, “The chemistry between us is so obvious that everyone knows we’re having a relationship.”

Chances are, many co-workers won’t. They’re wrapped up in themselves and are not monitoring the vibes between every twosome. If you confirm your relationship to just one person, chances are that the whole office will know. And it takes just one disgruntled co-worker to make your life miserable. Until it’s time for the wedding cards, keep it to yourselves.

5. Enjoy the affair

The office is a good place to meet a romantic partner. Unlike in a bar, where you pick mainly on impulse and an alcohol-impaired chat, at work you get to see more of what a person is really like. So you’re more likely to find your valentine at the office water cooler than a barstool.

Just follow these five rules to reduce your risk and then focus on having a great time. Being in love is wonderful — take it from me. I had an office romance and lived to tell the tale. In fact, I married her.