A relationship expert said people attracted to their colleagues are often not in love with them, but rather wear “office glasses”.
Similar to beer glasses – used to refer to the effect that alcohol has on a person’s visual perception – work glasses are used when you are attracted to someone simply because they are your co-worker.
Molly, from London, spoke on her podcast 2 girls 1 puppy about loving the people you work with – and warned people not to fall into the trap.
She wondered if there was something “in the water coolers” or if “fluorescent lighting” made coworkers more attractive.
“You’ve heard of beer glasses, but let’s talk about office glasses. (There’s) one person in the office that you would never have looked twice at if you met them under normal circumstances,” she said on TikTok.
Molly (pictured), from London, spoke on her podcast 2 Girls 1 Pup about her desire to work with people – 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 ever wanted in a partner and more.”
“Maybe it’s just the fact that you’re forced to spend 38 hours a week with this person.”
Dipti Tait, a relationship therapist from the Cotswolds, told MailOnline that colleagues who, in some cases, spend more time together than with their partner or family, feel more connected as a result.
“When individuals spend a lot of time together in a professional setting, the brain undergoes a fascinating process of neurochemical bonding,” she said.
“In the same way that oxytocin promotes connection and trust in romantic relationships, the brain releases this “bonding hormone” during collaborative tasks and moments of shared success at work.
‘Through repetitive exposure and shared experiences, the brain begins to associate positive feelings and rewards with the coworker’s presence.
“This can override initial impressions and preferences, leading to new attraction.”
“Spending many hours together definitely plays a role. The brain’s familiarity bias comes into play, where repeated exposure to a stimulus – in this case, a co-worker – breeds comfort and, sometimes, attraction.
Dipti said workplace relationships have 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 can feel romantically connected as a result.
Meanwhile, TikTokker Molly has warned people against dating and said it’s not worth it.
Users took to the comments section of the video to share their thoughts on office relationships – with many agreeing on the danger of ‘office glasses’.
She added that anyone wearing “office glasses” should prioritize professionalism and clear communication.
“If feelings are mutual, it becomes imperative to establish boundaries and consider potential consequences,” the relationship expert added.
“Seek the support of trusted confidants or, if necessary, professional advice to navigate the complexities of a romantic relationship at work with finesse. »
But TikToker Molly warned listeners against getting romantically involved with colleagues and said it wasn’t worth it.
She said: “Next time you’re in the office, you’re grabbing drinks on a Thursday night (and drinking) a few glasses of cheap wine, and you start to think that Jack from the tech development team might be the love of my life, I’m begging you, I’m begging you, just take a 30 second step back and think to yourself: “If I saw him on the street, would I really love him? Or is it just the work glasses?”
“I promise you, it seems like a sexy fling at this point, but it’s not worth it.”
Users watched the video, which has racked up nearly 200,000 views, to share their thoughts.
One wrote: “No one falls in love faster than two married co-workers. »
Another wrote: “I always remind myself that he is your colleague and that you are bored.”
A third said: “Met my partner at work, been together for 21 years and I can tell you they were office glasses.”
A third commented: “From someone who’s had two work relationships (both sitting on the same office block) you don’t need this heat in your life, bros.” I left a trail of carnage behind me. ‘