Love Relationships in the Workplace: When Passion and Profession Collide | Call It What You Want

Falling in love is one of the most natural and beautiful experiences in life. Love is about connection, understanding, and finding someone who makes your world feel brighter. It is not something we plan or control—it simply happens.

But what if it happens in a place where it’s considered “unprofessional”? What if the person you fall for is your co-worker, your boss, or, in the case of Call It What You Want, your own director or actor?

In the entertainment industry, where emotions run high and relationships are scrutinized, love becomes even more complicated. James, a passionate BL director, and Ait, a rising actor, find themselves in exactly this situation. Their love is real, but the environment they work in makes it feel forbidden.

Love Is Always Beautiful—So Why Does It Have to Be So Difficult?

Love is never something to be ashamed of. It is a human experience that brings warmth, inspiration, and meaning to our lives. But in some places—especially the workplace—love is seen as a risk, a problem, a mistake.

• If love is beautiful, why do people complicate it with rules?

• If two people truly care for each other, why should they be forced to hide it?

• If this happened to you—if you accidentally fell in love with your own actor or director—should you be punished for it?

These are the exact struggles James and Ait face. Their feelings are real, but the fear of judgment, career risks, and professional ethics make it feel impossible.

Why Workplace Romances Are Considered a Problem

Power Imbalance: Is It Fair?

James is Ait’s director. In a professional sense, he has authority over casting, direction, and Ait’s performance. This creates a power dynamic that could raise questions:

• Did Ait get the role because of talent or because of James?

• Can James treat Ait fairly when giving feedback?

• If things go wrong, could James abuse his position, or could Ait be unfairly affected?

Even if both of them truly love each other, others might see their relationship as favoritism or manipulation. But should love be judged that way?

The Pressure of Industry and Public Scrutiny

The entertainment world is brutal. Fans, producers, and the media watch everything. Ait, as a BL actor, is already under pressure to maintain a certain image for the audience. If the public finds out he’s dating his director, rumors will start.

• People might assume he was only cast because of his relationship.

• Critics might question James’ professionalism.

• Their work could be affected by the stress of keeping their love secret.

For James and Ait, their biggest struggle isn’t whether they love each other—it’s whether the world will let them love each other.

Can Love and Professionalism Coexist?

Many argue that personal emotions should never interfere with work. But how do you stop love once it has started? Should James and Ait sacrifice their feelings just to be considered “professional”?

Some might say yes, that keeping work and personal life separate is necessary. But others might say no, because love is not something that can be scheduled or controlled.

What If This Happened to You?

Imagine you are James, a director who accidentally falls in love with your own actor. You never intended for this to happen, but every moment you spend together makes you realize how much you care about them.

Or imagine you are Ait, an actor who suddenly finds yourself falling for your own director. You know it’s risky, but your heart tells you it’s real.

Why does this love have to be so complicated? If two people find happiness in each other, why do the rules of work try to pull them apart?

What Do You Think?

Should workplace romance be considered unprofessional, or should love be embraced no matter where it happens?

When people fall in love, do they need to prioritize being professional over their emotions? Or is love something that should not—and cannot—be controlled?

Let’s hear your thoughts!