What 'The Office' Taught Us About Romance

Most work environments try to discourage inner-office romance. That’s because relationships often cause a distraction in the workplace, or end with messy breakups that hurt office morale and general productivity. It’s interesting, then, to consider that the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc. — the fictional paper purveyor on NBC's The Office — seems to have absolutely no in-house policy on relationships. They basically just let their employees run amok, so I think we can learn a lot from The Office about dating in a corporate culture. Here are a few of those things…

Who’s your favorite couple on The Office? Let us know in the comments and watch out for spoilers if you aren't caught up!

You Should Always Pick Jim Halpert

If you’re ever stuck in a relationship with a guy similar to Roy Anderson (i.e. he forgets you at a hockey game on your first date), you should ALWAYS dump him in favor of the Jim Halpert-type guy that is tall and attractive and constantly flirting with you in the office. Okay?

Always Know When You Have Something Good 

Kelly could have had an amazing future with Ravi, but instead, decided to run back to Ryan in the series finale. Ravi was good-looking, kind, and a frickin’ pediatrician! We as the public can learn something from Kelly’s mistake.

If It’s Meant To Be, It’s Meant To Be 

Sometimes the timing just isn’t right, but if it’s meant to be, you will eventually reconnect with your soulmate. That’s what I learned from Angela and Dwight. Yes, cats might die in the process. Or Angela might get married to someone else. But if you’re patient, love will always conquer. I’m still holding out hope for my junior high girlfriend, Rebecca Meyer. Rebecca, if you’re reading this… I miss you. Please come back from your uncle's farm in Florida.

Sincerely,

Matt

It's only right that Dwight got his happy ending.

Reach For The Stars

Even though Jan wasn’t Michael’s best relationship, I learned that you can still date someone higher than you in the corporate hierarchy if you’re somewhat charming and just let them know how you feel with a cute note. We can all learn from Michael Scott, people.

Old Fashioned Values Are Always In Style

I think the romance of Phyllis and Bob is actually really underrated. We’re constantly judging our relationships by millennial values, but what those two had to offer was a GOOD OLD FASHIONED union based on trust, honesty, and Vance Refrigeration!

Love Comes In All Different Shapes and Sizes

Oscar and Gil. Kelly and Ryan. Oscar and Robert. These examples teach us that love knows no gender or race or marital status. And that’s truly beautiful.

Even Michael approves...

Love Can Also Be Really Creepy, So Be Respectful Of Everyone In The Workplace

Nellie and Toby. Creed and pretty much whoever he decides to date. Make sure that your relationship doesn't make everyone else in the office feel uncomfortable.

Tag a friend who loves The Office!