# Is a kiss at work unacceptable? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 11, 2011, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054 "2011-02-11T19:21:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![SecondJudith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@SecondJudith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecondJudith)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2011, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/21 "2011-02-11T23:21:07Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Of course not. > > I have to tell this one story, though. These two people came in here once, a couple. They came in to sell us something, and my boss knew they were coming, but they were a little early, so I had them wait while she finished up something else. So 5 or so minutes go by, and they are talking, and then they turn to each other and smooch. Bwuh? It’s not like one of them was leaving or anything. They just randomly decided to stop everything and go KISS! And then a few minutes later, did it again. > > I thought _that_ was a little inappropriate. They were five feet from my desk, and it was just weird. I have no problem with “goodbye” kisses but generally I prefer that if you are over the age of twenty you refrain from kisses every five minutes. I’m confused about what’s odd about this. Was it full-on heavy action, or were they talking to each other and occasionally kissing in the middle of their conversation? ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2011, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/22 "2011-02-11T23:28:42Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > In an _extremely_ conservative work environment, I suppose it might be seen as an issue. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have an issue with it (and I work at an ad agency, which is about as far away from a “conservative work environment” as you can get, among “office jobs”). This is why I voted that it depends. If it’s really frowned upon to have any sort of personal interactions, then kissing certainly wouldn’t make the cut. Oh, and definitely no tongue. That’s just uncalled for. ---
**Author:** ![Saintly\_Loser](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saintly_loser/32/4045_2.png) [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/23 "2011-02-12T01:23:22Z")
Depends. Some years ago, my SO and I worked at the same company. In fact, that’s how we met. For a number of reasons, and especially because of a very wide gap in status/rank, we were not public about our relationship, even after we’d moved in together. Now, we work at different companies. Once in a while one of us will drop by the other’s office. A peck on the lips just doesn’t seem like a big deal. Complete non-issue. ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/24 "2011-02-12T01:41:04Z")
When I saw the title, my immediate reaction was “no way” because I’m a teacher. Getting dropped off? Seriously? I don’t spit on my office floor, but the sidewalk is completely different. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/25 "2011-02-12T01:56:07Z")
I’ve worked in H/R and I say “no.” It isn’t the kiss but what it means, if you let “A” get away with it, then “B” can do it in similar situations and the whole thing can get out of hand quickly. And as much sexual harassment as I’ve seen, trust me you don’t know how fast things can get out of hand. If you want to kiss someone goodbye, take a break and walk your SO off property, kiss her/him and then walk back. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/26 "2011-02-12T03:42:22Z")
My wife and I work together in a pretty casual office environment. Everytime our boss sees her hanging out by my door, he shoos her on, telling her he can’t afford more sexual harrasment suits. Kidding, of course. Every now and then I’ll steal a smooch and invariably someone will yell “get a room”. Occasionally, we’ll go up or down a couple of floors & find an empty space to defile. Is that wrong? ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/27 "2011-02-12T04:38:41Z")
A quickie would be out of the question but a kiss, why not? ---
**Author:** ![Zjestika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/8edcca/32.png) [@Zjestika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zjestika)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/28 "2011-02-12T06:14:45Z")
I worked at a grocery co-op and when my now-husband would pop in for a hi or some lunch or something he’d give me a peck when saying goodbye. But once during Pride week we let 2 women customers walk around in a store topless with just stickers on their nipples, so it was a permissive environment. At my current job he’s never stopped in, but I’m sure a peck wouldn’t cause anyone to bat an eye. Maybe, though, if it was at my desk 2 feet away from another person. But at the door or in the hallway of the hospital I think it’s be fine. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/29 "2011-02-12T12:10:00Z")
Yup, verboten. PDA is out of the question anywhere but especially _at work_? Ughh. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/30 "2011-02-12T14:38:57Z")
I think it’s unprofessional in _my_ work environment - it would be fine back in the workroom, but out on the floor with library patrons it is not the done thing. Just IMHO. And it would probably give them ideas and I’d have to fend off more harassment. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/31 "2011-02-12T16:25:41Z")
In my recent work environment, all of the guys kissed all of the girls. Sure, it was a cheek-kiss and not a lip-kiss, but still. Americans seem to like kissing the pretty girls every day, but personally I found it kind of unhygienic, especially in the area where swine flu originated. ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/32 "2011-02-12T16:27:22Z")
Quick peck on the lips: who cares? Tonsil hockey in front of the receptionist: bloody hell, at least find a supply closet. Or, you know, save it for home. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/33 "2011-02-12T17:21:36Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Please, hon. Not in front of the inmates. I can see how public displays of affection might not be a great idea in a prison. ---
**Author:** ![Waxwinged](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c2a13f/32.png) [@Waxwinged](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waxwinged)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/34 "2011-02-12T22:21:17Z")
As long as the people aren’t eating their SO’s faces, who cares? ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2011, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/35 "2011-02-12T23:16:28Z")
> [@Waxwinged](#): > > As long as the people aren’t eating their SO’s faces, who cares? They were eating their SO’s faces, hence prison. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2011, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/36 "2011-02-13T00:07:23Z")
As described, a quick peck would be OK in most office-type settings. I work retail, and would avoid smooching in front of customers. Making out is not OK. ---
**Author:** ![fifty-six](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@fifty-six](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fifty-six)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2011, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/37 "2011-02-13T00:46:53Z")
It is more than fine. It is good. Maybe even encouraged. Hell this why most of us work so hard anyway. Attract more kisses and aquire more protein. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2011, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/38 "2011-02-13T01:36:41Z")
I work in a Hellish hut-to, “its 2:57, you need to be there, not there” job. The doors are locked like we’d try to escape (and if the job market were better, we would), but thats the only admission by management that we have any value at all. No spouses or non-employees are allowed on the premises. Ever. The only people who kiss at work are the single-somethings, stressed to the breaking point, who sometimes find each other at the moment of a psychotic break. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2011, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/39 "2011-02-13T03:41:41Z")
It is completely unacceptable. A peck on the cheek is acceptable between spouses, but that’s all. I prefer the slow brush of cheeks, but tastes differ. I am torn on the recently engaged … ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2011, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054/40 "2011-02-13T05:10:08Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > Americans seem to like kissing the pretty girls every day, but personally I found it kind of unhygienic, especially in the area where swine flu originated. Which area on a pretty girl did swine flu originate from? _takes notes_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-kiss-at-work-unacceptable/571054.md?page=3)