Q: I seem to have the recurring problem that the only women who are attracted to me are my co-workers. Apparently I’m sexy only at work. I can replace jobs more easily than I can replace women, but not if I get fired. Should I just try to keep office romances a secret? Does that mean I can have more than one at a time? – Clark

A: Kate: For the sake of the column, I’ll answer as if you were a sincere person interested in a relationship and not just out to conquer every woman in the office.

Dale: Conquer?

Kate: Sleep with, whatever. I have a hard time with anyone who asks about multiple relationships at the office. However, I’m willing to take on the question because the office is where true romance often blossoms. According to CareerBuilder.com’s annual survey on the subject, about half of workers have dated a co-worker, and just a third of those felt compelled to keep the relationship a secret.

Dale: If you want to put numbers to it, here are all the ones you’ll need, Clark, based on statistics that I’m making up as I go: One, there’s a 98 percent chance that everyone in the office will figure it out, no matter what. Two, there’s a 99 percent chance that you’ll break up before either of you leaves the job. Three, there’s a 100 percent chance that she will not be a good sport about the breakup. In other words, Romeo, remember your Shakespeare.

Kate: What I remember is that just about everybody in “Romeo and Juliet” ended up dead, which seems unlikely here, even when you make up statistics. What most likely will keep you out of trouble are these two rules: Never date anyone with whom you have a direct reporting relationship, and be discreet until it is serious. Now, having exhausted all the seriousness and sympathy I can muster, I will end with this: Get a life. Rent the movie “Alfie” and reflect upon the truth that life is lonely for those who don’t have real relationships.

Dale: One last thought: If you have a job you can so casually replace, then you’re not in the right place. So get a great new job – one you couldn’t bear to lose – then date anyone you want at the old place.

Letter of the month

Kate: We’re grateful when veteran managers share their wisdom with our readers, and today Gordon Garst augments our advice to a young woman who was nervous about being interviewed by an older manager.

Gordon: Speaking as an “older gentleman” who has interviewed many people young enough to be my children, your column contained excellent advice, but I would like to add the following:

¢ Put away the bias. It’s very presumptive to assume that one who is older will be prejudiced based on age. In fact, most older managers recognize and appreciate the education, talents and skills possessed by those in the 20-40 age group.

¢ Dress business conservative for the interview, not business casual. You will command respect.

¢ Exhibit proper manners. Address the interviewer formally (Mr. Jones, Ms. Smith). Don’t assume that first names are OK unless and until you are told otherwise.

¢ Rehearse the interview. Find someone (not a close friend or relative – they aren’t objective) of the same age group as the interviewer and who has the appropriate experience to do a mock interview.