While I'm married and never developed any office romances (also, what a bizarre example to use -- a couple who got married...), I've often found that the classi

While I'm married and never developed any office romances (also, what a bizarre example to use -- a couple who got married...), I've often found that the classic "drinks after work" scenario works wonders in tense situations. Sometimes, if I'm dealing with a stressful situation, maybe I get angry at someone who I think is stalling the project, or making bad decisions, it sucks. It can be awkward, or seem insincere to apologize in the office, or really have a heart-to-heart chat and figure out your differences. Tensions build up, the situation gets worse, after a while, the "professional enemies" relationship just cements itself for stupid reasons. But hey, a couple of rounds in the bar can be amazing! Is it healthy? Eh. Does it work? Absolutely. I'll be the first to admit, my social skills aren't the best, and that's where bars come in! "Man, I am so sorry I got so worked up over which HTTP code to return. I really, really don't care. I was just stressed out over the project in general" seems way more sincere and less cheesy after a couple of beers.