While some people frown on the idea of office romances, many others think it's okay as long as both parties are willing participants. The seven tips below were written by workplace etiquette expert, Peter Handal, to help an employee to know what to do should he/she decide to become romantically involved with a coworker - or someone higher up.

1. Check the company's policies. Before launching into an office romance, be clear on the company's policies regarding office relationships. Many companies --large and small-- have hard and fast rules against relationships developing amongst co-workers. If it is against the rules, you have to ask yourself: "Is it worth it?" And, if it is, be discreet and prepare for any consequences.

2. Maintain decorum and professionalism. It's a good practice to keep your social and business lives separate and that means not letting a romantic relationship affect the quality and efficiency of your work. When it's an office romance, the stakes are even higher. If there's evidence that an office romance is affecting work, one or both of you may be asked to end your romance or, worse yet, find another job.

3. Avoid dating someone in a higher or lower position. Office politics and hierarchy should be top-of-mind, particularly when it comes to office romances. Choosing an entanglement with a co-worker - especially one at a different seniority level - could dramatically affect your salary or movement within your company. Avoid unwanted scrutiny and drama by avoiding dating those with whom you regularly work.

4. Save the romance for out of the office. Absolutely no public displays of affection at work. Maintain proper distance and save the romantic acts for locations that are not often visited by co-workers.

5. Address issues after-hours. Never, have or bring fights or arguments to work. Any personal disagreements should be dealt with outside the office.

6. Plan for the worst. Agree in the beginning of the relationship how you will handle a potential break up. Avoid, at all costs, a messy break up. It isn't just you and your partner that are involved, it's your entire office and the future of the company's dating policy.

7. Consider leaving. If the relationship does get serious, one member should consider a new position outside the company.

Peter Handal, president and CEO of Dale Carnegie Training is the tips-master when it comes to workplace etiquette