Building a strong bond with a colleague can turn the daily grind into an enjoyable routine. However, there's a fine line between a healthy work friendship and unhealthy dependency. Over-attachment might deter other coworkers from approaching you, limiting networking opportunities and professional growth. If these signs sound familiar, it could be time to step back and create some healthy space.
1. You stay late at your desk several nights a week to catch up, since you spend a third of your day chatting at the coffee machine.
2. You text or chat all day until one of you falls asleep.
3. When she went to your usual lunch spot with someone else, it felt like betrayal.
4. You're shocked when other coworkers don't save you the seat next to her in meetings.
5. When someone invites your work wife to lunch or for a chat, you grab your bag and say, “Where are we going?”
6. Your partner texts her when they can't reach you.
7. Your boss occasionally mixes up your names.
8. When you show up at your favorite lunch spot alone, the cashier asks, “Where's your girlfriend?”
9. Her week-long vacation feels like the longest, most boring week of your life.
10. You notice—and compliment—every new outfit she wears to the office, because you know her entire work wardrobe by heart.
12. You secretly hope she never job hunts—not because she doesn't deserve better, but because you'd be lost without her.
