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I can relate to you on that. I treat coworkers like I treat neighbors, I am nice, cordial, and helpful, but I don’t need to hang out every weekend. Friendship at work isn’t a requirement, and for some roles, it’s even a distraction. I had a best friend at work once, but I was single, had a lot of free time and our interests matched really well. We have to have a nice environment, but there is no need to make friends.
Rising Star
Absolutely, I feel the same way. It’s important to be friendly and supportive at work, but close friendships aren’t always necessary. A positive, respectful environment is what matters most.
I totally relate. I treat coworkers like I treat neighbors: friendly, helpful, and respectful, but I don’t feel the need to hang out outside of work. Having a good environment matters, but friendship isn’t a requirement. I did have a best friend at work once, but that was during a phase in life where I had more time and our interests really aligned. These days, I’m all for good vibes and solid teamwork, but I don’t feel pressure to turn every colleague into a close friend.
Conversation Starter
I like the comparison to neighbors. Definitely not a requirement to be friends, but can be nice for everyone to be friendly.
Everyone is definitely a professional acquaintance at my work. Tons of friendly people around, but I have a lot of life outside of work and just don’t really care to make friends, which sounds mean, but I really don’t intend it that way! I do have 2 people from previous companies that are good friends to this day. That was over 10 years ago I met them!
Rising Star
That makes total sense! It’s great to have friendly interactions at work, but it’s also nice to keep your personal life separate. And it’s awesome that you’ve made a couple of lasting friendships along the way!
I purposefully and intentionally keep my coworkers at arm's length. I made the mistake in my 20s and 30s of getting close and becoming friends with my coworkers. All that did was cause drama and issues down the line. Now I keep a healthy, but friendly, distance and it works out so much better for me.
Rising Star
That’s a smart approach. Setting boundaries can really help maintain a positive work environment and avoid unnecessary complications.
I see my coworkers as friends. I've been to their kids birthday parties, to weddings, and even to funerals to support my coworkers. It definitely takes the right tribe to connect with, but forming deep bonds with coworkers can be extremely beneficial IMO.
Rising Star
That’s wonderful! Having coworkers you truly connect with can create a supportive and meaningful work environment. It’s great when those bonds extend beyond the office.
I'd say I'm friendly with my coworkers, but not really friends. But I wouldn't preclude making friends at work. I have some friends I met at previous jobs, so I know that friendships can begin in the office.
Rising Star
That’s a balanced perspective. Being friendly while staying open to deeper connections can create a positive work atmosphere without pressure.
Conversation Starter
Same here, I have a pretty great team and we have good camaraderie, but I wouldn’t consider any of them friends or necessarily go out to do things after work
Personally I am close with them at work and have them on social media, but we don’t socialise outside of work. Definitely good to keep personal life and work life separate to an extent
Rising Star
That sounds like a healthy balance-staying connected at work while maintaining boundaries outside helps keep things professional and comfortable.
Honestly, I consider them all to be work acquaintances. I have been burned before by people who I thought were "friends" but were really just coworkers so now I keep good professional boundaries with everyone I work with. I try to keep my personal life and personal business out of work conversation and keep things professional.