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How do you make friends at work?

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Anonymous

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How do you make friends at work?

I want to create friendships with some of my colleagues as I enjoy working with them and I enjoy my role as an HR assistant but I admit I am guarded as I have been burned by trusting the wrong people at a previous job and I am an introvert to an extent, an “extroverted introvert” is how some describe me.

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  1. Anonymous

    Work friends and personal friends are generally very very different dynamics.

    If you have plenty of personal friends, an active social life and a strong support system I would suggest limiting your work friendships to lunch or coffee and keep things light and centered on mutual topics of interest. Leave your highly personal sharing to your tight circle of friend. It's healthier for your work dynamic.

  2. Anonymous

    Maybe consider lunch.

    However, be careful what you share- work "friends" are merely acquaintances

  3. Megan Leasher

    I'm an extroverted introvert too; I feel you. I recommend starting out with an offer for coffee, as generally the time frame is shorter than a full meal. It's a lighter, bite-sized start. Come with a particular topic in mind, perhaps something you would like to learn about the person (personal, professional, your choice). Be curious and intentional. Good luck!

  4. Cassie Spencer

    Lunch and coffee meets up are great suggestions and I find a great starting point regardless of the overall goal with developing relationships with your colleagues. Depending on the size of your current company it can sometimes be great to join different committees or employee groups to connect with people in different departments of areas of the business so that you can still have those relationships while also keeping a little separation with your immediate work.

  5. Anonymous

    I like the idea of joining communities.

  6. Anonymous

    I'm in HR, also an extroverted introvert (not by choice, really) and honestly, I have no desire to really make friends to work. If they happen organically, then fine...but I am not going out of my way to befriend people (as a whole, I keep my circle small).

  7. Anonymous

    My advice from lessons learned years ago tread carefully!! Be cordial , respectful and a team player!! Do not share your private life with work colleagues!! I do have some work colleagues that I will call good colleagues but I still tread carefully over sharing!! don’t be ** burnt twice **

  8. Dr. Erica Walls

    Work friendships can be rewarding, but you're wise to proceed with caution. Start with small talk, seek common ground, and be authentic. "Your people" will find you : )

  9. Anonymous

    IMO, you need to discern the differences of a friendship from the coworker. They are not the same, and need to move with caution. I would say maybe 1 person MAYBE, as mentioned I would think you'd learn you lesson prior. Truly, caution thinking you're getting a BFF.

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