An 'office spouse' can be a relief

How would you like it if you had someone who would be constantly supportive, a punching bag, your agony aunt and your colleague, all in one? A spouse without having to marry.
Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Fortunately, in this day and age, you can do what you want without seeming odd. Everyone has a boss who can be a colossal pain in the derriere.In addition to that, we have frustrations at work as well. Interestingly, the concept of the ‘office spouse’ seems to be catching up.
The deal is simple. You and your partner sign the nuptial agreements in the office premises and promise to love each other in sickness or health. Meaning, in the occurrence of a haranguing boss or a cocky colleague, your office spouse will provide you with support, be loyal, honest and share a degree of closeness similar to that of a married couple. In a survey that was carried out earlier this year, 69 per cent admitted that they have an office husband or a office wife. Note that you are not romantically involved with the person in question here.
The term office spouse is American, much like many other things that have been aped by us. It is a phrase coined to describe the new relationship phenomenon that developed as Americans work longer, harder, and in closer proximity with colleagues of the opposite sex. Looks like we’re doing it too! The interesting bit in having a ‘relationship’ in office is that age doesn’t matter. She/ he might be 50, 60 or 70 but all that is trivial because your relationship exists only in the office.
Sonali Jain, an IT professional laughs at the thought of an office spouse. “This is downright hilarious but it makes sense to have someone at work who you could share your troubles with,” says Sonali. She hasn’t had an office husband until now but she is open to experimentation. “This is interesting. And, I think I will have a go at it just to see what it is all about,” says Sonali.
On the other hand, Arjun Nair, a copy writer, has this to say about his office spouse. “She is an absolute doll. Every time my boss is breathing down my neck and yelling at me to get the copy done she comes and stands beside me. It’s understood that she is there just so that I have someone to unleash my verbal diarrhoea on,” grins Arjun. He also goes onto add that having a office spouse does not mean that there is romance involved. “I have a girlfriend outside work who is a source of great support. Still, you need someone who knows the working of the company and the frustrations of working for some people who you both know can be a pain,” says Arjun.
However, non-believers exist too. Vishal Ghosh thinks the concept is extremely misleading and could lead to complications. “It can get really dicey if you start sharing everything with someone at work. Especially when you’re engaged/married or you’re even seeing someone,” says Vishal. He also mentions a possibility of jealousy where your actual spouse is concerned. True that, but if you’re an adult and can handle your office spouse without compromising on your actual relationship in any way, then we can assure you that this is a match made in heaven!