Otherwise?

Question

Most people have a spring in their step and put their best foot forward when they are

in a new relationship (work or otherwise), but they stumble and lose their footing

trying to maintain relationships over the long term. Reality soon sets in that the

honeymoon phase is officially over.

In this sentence does 'work or otherwise' mean at a job and some places where you may be?

Thanks in advance!

Avangi · Accepted Answer

mariottIn this sentence does 'work or otherwise' mean at a job and some places where you may be?

Yes, it clearly does. The parenthetical is quite casual, though.
I'd say that "otherwise" means "not an at-work relationship." It doesn't necessarily refer to "some (other) places." You could be having an affair with your brother-in-law at no place in particular.

Some prior context would help explain "the honeymoon phase." Of course "the honeymoon is over" is a metaphor used in many situations other than marriage. But we need to know that long-term relationships is the topic here.

Otherwise, we have trouble relating the honeymoon phase to "a new [work] relationship."

As an aside, "Reality soon sets in that the honeymoon phase is officially over" strikes me as unnatural.

We have no trouble getting the meaning, but "reality" doesn't work as an antecedent for your "that" clause.

I'd say, "The realization soon sets in that the honeymoon phase is officially over."

Or you could use two independent clauses:

Reality soon sets in; the honeymoon phase is officially over.

Mariott · Answer

Wow, Thanks a lot Avangi!!!

Otherwise?

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