As he sat in a meeting, Paul Mitcheson's phone lit up with a message that read: "Miss me?" It was sent in jest by his colleague, Emily Blewett, from her desk just metres away. Not that Paul and Emily are having an affair - they're both happily married to other people - but they are in a relationship of sorts.They are "work husband and wife" - colleagues who share a close and exclusive platonic bond within the confines of the office.With work occupying much of our daily lives, the need for companionship in the office has become near-essential. According to a recent poll, 70% of employees say having friends at work is the most crucial part of having a happy working life, while 50% of employees with a best friend at work claim they feel a strong connection with their company.Joanna Butler, an occupational psychologist, said: "We're working longer hours during which we seek a cheerleader to help us deal with work-based stresses."It's easier and safer to have friendships with the opposite sex at work when there are defined boundaries to which you are expected to adhere."Despite the faux flirtation, Emily says her work marriage is devoid of romance. In fact, the dynamic is dependent on its platonic status: "We joke around, but our relationship is like an old marriage without any sexual element whatsoever," she says, adding that her husband finds it amusing that someone is prepared to endure her "incessant chattering".But psychotherapist Marisa Peer warned some spouses could be threatened by the emotional bond between colleagues. ..