How To Set Boundaries For Your Office Wife/Husband

The internet has a funny way of making regular things look relevant. Who would have thought that something as random as “Office wife” would be a trend that will instantly turn someone into an overnight millionaire.

You see this stuff, you know it. There’s a probability you might even have a significant other in the office. Who knows, let’s not call names.

Honestly, love isn’t as hard as they make it look. It’s not even blind, or wicked. It’s just a matter of two open hearts and a similar environment. If you watch Big Brother you will understand better what I am saying.

You see those people that form ‘ships’ in just 90 days? They’re living proof that feelings are easy to catch as long as you share the same space with a certain group of people. The office is no exception. Can I get an amen?

No matter how stressful your 9-5 is, there’s a unique harmony that often emerges between colleagues—a friendship that goes beyond the confines of work tasks and deadlines.

This friendship is called the “office spouse.” Is there anyone that can boldly tell me they don’t have a person who is your go-to confidant, your partner-in-crime during lunch breaks, and the one who knows your work-related woes inside out. 

We’re waiting. (s)he who is without sin should please cast the first stone.

You have to be be honest, no matter how delightful this “office relationship” is, it’s still essential to set boundaries before you lose your job for love. You might realize catching a bullet is better. 

WHAT’S AN OFFICE WIFE/HUSBAND?

With everything you have read so far, there are some people living in delulu who will still act surprised they don’t know what this concept is even after we’ve exposed it in shining light. Shame on you [Bombastistic side eye].

Just in case, we’ll leave a definition.

If you have a colleague you share a special camaraderie with, a platonic ally who brightens up your workday. No strings attached [coughs, sometimes], no romantic entanglements. Your ‘relationship’ thrives on mutual trust and emotional support. 

Someone you share the highs and lows of office life without the complications of a traditional romantic relationship, I have good news for you; Woman, that’s your husband. Man, that’s your wife.

You might as well exchange vows and [not] kiss the bride.

WHY BOUNDARY IS IMPORTANT?

Not everyone likes to put boundaries to such a beautiful thing?

Well, I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but in this web of professional relationships, setting boundaries is the best way to avoid problems.

It’ll help you prevent stepping on some toes.

Imagine waking up by 4:50 A.M to cook for your spouse only to see them loving up and sharing the meal with someone else. 

I've always been too lazy to wake up and get his lunch ready. But the day he told me a colleague brought two spoons so he'll eat with her, was the day I set my alarm for 4:50am. https://t.co/UmbVVPIONM

— MumZee✨🇳🇬 (@_Debbie_OA) January 4, 2024

Besides, boundaries will protect you from taking what is supposed to be a casual friendship to a level that either destroys your relationship in the ‘real’ world, or ruins a friendship you may never get back.

You wouldn’t want that to happen, would you? You have nothing to fear. Boundaries are not about building walls, they are for creating a comfortable space where both of you can share something beautiful without encroaching on each other’s personal or professional territories.

You won’t lose her/him, I assure you. If you follow this guide, it will help you know exactly what you’re doing and help you set the thin line straight. 

HOW DO YOU SET BOUNDARIES? 

Stop suspecting that your spouse sent me to write this, they did not. You’d be jealous as well if you found out your spouse is ‘professionally’ married in the office.

So, just because the golden rule states you shouldn’t do to others what you will not enjoy, you have to set boundaries. Here’s how you get started.

ENJOYING YOUR READ? DROP A DONATION TO KEEP THE BLOG RUNNING

Clear Communication:

You both need to agree where the curtains are drawn. You shouldn’t let yourself be careless with something like this. Especially when you know it might be upsetting your significant other. Keep it cordial, show care, be there, but know when to stop. You can have a conversation about it so you can all be on the same page.

Define The Relationship:

No matter how closely attached you become, or how tempting it is to blur the lines, you must define the relationship. Understand what it is that both of you share. Give it a name if you must, but ensure that you never wake up hungry for a bigger bite of the pie.

Establish Limits:

One thing you should always remember is the fact that this ‘relationship’ is not real. Be aware of the time and emotional energy invested, ensuring a healthy balance between your professional and personal lives.

Make sure the relationship is ‘healthy.’ That way, you can easily tame it before it gets out of hand. 

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If you’ve ever had an office husband/wife, how did you make sure it didn’t affect your life outside the office? 

Share with us in the comments below.