Text:

“Don’t shit where you eat.”

Context:

The informant, OB, says they first heard the phrase from a Black female podcaster who analyzed stories about dating posted by users on the “Am I the Asshole” forum on Reddit. This forum is where people may seek advice on complex life situation and outside opinions on whether their actions were morally acceptable or not. OB said they had used the phrase earlier in the day when a friend told them they should try dating their future coworkers at their prospective workplace.

Analysis:

In the context it was used, this proverb likens dating (especially of the dramatic variety) in an inappropriate setting to defecating on one’s own dining table. Engaging in romantic or sexual relationships at work that have the potential to end badly could bring unnecessary unpleasantness, especially if it is tied to one’s means of earning a living.