Working with the EX!

If your special someone is spending their nine-to-five with an old love, is that just business, or too close for comfort?

Some guys have to work hard to keep their jealousy and testosterone-fueled temper tantrums in check…

I am not one of those guys.

I’m as laid-back as they get. In fact, my one claim-to-fame as possible boyfriend material is that I’m as liberal as a dude can be: Do what you want, go where you want, and (most importantly) stay out as long as you want—though the latter does suit my own needs, but I digress.

So no one was more surprised than me when I found myself taking a conservative stance after discovering that two exes were working together.

And I thought to myself: Why the hell does this bother me?

It shouldn’t have…but it did. Was I becoming more rigid with age, or was I smart enough to know that work and play is a toxic combination?

Do Boardrooms and Blowjobs Mix?

Like all great quasi-relationship stories in Montreal, this one took place at Thursday’s. I had gone after work to meet up with a buddy of mine who was there with colleagues from work.

After introducing me to his manager (who happened to be the hottest chick in the room, FYI), he leaned in with a huge grin to point out that she was a former fuck buddy that he used to slam just before he met his would-be wife.

I thought it was one of life’s cruel jokes, or serendipity run afoul, but it turned out that not only were they working on the same team, but she got him the job!

And the best part: His wife is A-Ok with it.

My Boss, My (Former) Lover!

This reminded me of a former colleague of mine who, after working at her new job for about a year, had some restructuring in her department, which resulted in her getting restructured to a new boss with whom she had spent many a night at the Quality Inn in a not-so-past life.

She waited six months before telling her husband that the man she once blew at a gas station in college (sorry, had to throw that in) was now calling the shots at her office.

Cue the fireworks!

You Can Trust…But Up to What Point?

Maybe he couldn’t stomach the idea of having his wife subjected to this terrible conflict of interest. Or maybe (and most likely) he just couldn’t stand to think of what could happen at her next office Christmas party…Whatever the reason, he made her quit her job.

Now, we’re quick to blame our own insecurities when we get a little jealous, but really folks: Isn’t this hitting a little too close to home?

 If a guy doesn’t want his girl sharing office space with a former flame, is it a question of principle, or trust?

And if it is a “simple” trust issue…who is it we don’t trust exactly: The partner, the ex…or both?

The Office = Cupid’s Playground

Between the brainstorms, the presentations, the cocktails and the, ahem, team-building exercises, two exes/colleagues can wind up spending A LOT of time together—more time than they spend with their family and friends combined.

And that means there’s plenty of time for two people—who already come with a shit load of personal (read: sexual) baggage—to rekindle a past that can further complicate an already-awkward relationship.

Let’s face it: Things happen…mistakes are made…and lines get crossed—very easily I might add.

Trust is a great thing to have, but humans can still make foolish mistakes.

Call me old-fashioned, but there’s a fine line that separates legal briefs and underwear briefs. You can trust someone till your blue in the face, but sometimes it may be best to leave the past in the past—and NOT in the next cubicle.

Can you work with an ex? Or would it bother you if your significant other was spending his work weeks rubbing elbows with an old flame? Share your comments below: