Workplaces are full of connections, some professional, personal and even family (some relatives are discovered in the corporate world ๐). As lovely as connecting with others is, it’s important to understand the different between colleagues and work friends.
A colleague is someone you collaborate with, share tasks with, and maybe even share a laugh
with during break time. The foundation of your connection is the work you must do together. If you take away the work, not even a text would be exchanged between the two of you.
A work friend is someone you trust beyond deadlines and meetings. This is someone who truly
supports you, personally and professionally. Beyond being colleagues, this relationship often includes mutual respect, emotional support, and shared values, both inside and outside of work.
The challenge is, many of us blur the lines too soon.
Just because someone calls you โboiโ or shares jokes doesnโt mean theyโre your safe space for
personal struggles. Just because you both dislike the same manager (I see you ๐), doesnโt mean you share values.
And thatโs perfectly okay. Not everyone deserves access to your deeper self.
Here is a tip to help us decide who to place in which category: Let time and consistency guide on who to open up to. Watch how they show up not only for you but for others too.
Ask yourself:
Do they show concern if I am suddenly absent without notice or do they wait until I am back at work to check in?
Do they respect boundaries, theirs and mine?
Would they protect my name in a room Iโm not in?
And pray about it too. Yes, pray so that you don’t find yourself emotionally opening up to a wolf in sheep’s clothing!
Remember, being professional doesnโt mean being unfriendly, and being friendly doesnโt always mean friendship.
Proverbs 17:17a “A friend loves at all times,”
Warm regards,
– ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ –
