Single Girl Dating Diaries: Why You Should Never Date At Work

By Zoe C on November 5th, 2009

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I used to have one of those metabolisms that would be able to power through junk food, late-night drinking sessions and, of course, eating “street meat,” from the stands in Midtown. My ability to eat like a guy has won me much kudos amongst the males in my office, but I’m starting to notice that my metabolism isn’t as active as it used to be. Could it be that I actually need to get to a gym?! Not my idea of fun.

Anyway, I’ve been drowning my sorrows in large sizes of Pinkberry, pizza slices and, naturally, that amazing falafel from Mamoun’s that is super cheap, but filling. You want to know why? Remember Steve?

Well, I have a feeling that he told his finance buddies about our little evening escapade/romp which, to be frank, was not too exciting from my end. For the first couple of days after our hook-up, I seriously received tons of smirks and lopsided grins that seemed to say, “Hmm…so, THAT’s what you’re like in the sack?”

I barely remember anything! Though I do remember being awfully bored and wondering when we’d be done. I’m mean, but honest.

You may have heard that the markets are back up and so everyone at my fund is trying to forget about the past year and a half of hellish misery, but the remnants are everywhere. Everyone is working extra, extra hard and then they release all the stress with boys’ nights out — complete with some non-prescription meds.

What does that have to do with office dating? Well, everything. What I’ve learned by working with a bunch of men is that they don’t really gossip, they just compare notes and statistics whether it’s about women, sports, salaries, number of miles they run, or number of pounds they can bench press.

And apparently the associates know that Steve and I hooked up because they keep looking at me with this LOOK! I confronted Steve about this and he said, “Yeah, I just told _____, but its only because he was there with me at the club that night.”

The thing I learned is that if a guy does this at work, he immediately gets props from the other guys. But if you’re a female, you’re automatically considered a slut and everyone starts to look down on you. It’s crazy that in 2009 (and in NYC), this still seems to be the case.

Women make up half the workforce now, but we still deal with this BS? I don’t get it. Yeah, I made a mistake in hooking up with Steve-O, but now I’m the one that’s paying for it.  With what? My reputation.

By the way, I am craving some Ben & Jerry’s. I think I may start a diet tomorrow. Just kidding.