People who consciously avoid making close friends at work often possess these 8 unique traits

There’s an intriguing distinction when it comes to workplace relationships.

Some people believe that making close friends at work is the key to a fulfilling career. Others, however, consciously avoid these relationships.

As Hack Spirit founder and mindfulness enthusiast Lachlan Brown, I’ve noticed that the latter group often possesses a unique set of traits.

In this article, we’re going to explore these eight specific characteristics.

And who knows? You might find that you identify more with this approach than you initially thought.

1. They value their personal space

In the bustling environment of a workplace, personal space can often feel like a luxury.

People who consciously avoid making close friends at work often do so because they value their personal space.

They appreciate the clear boundaries between work life and personal life. Mixing the two can seem like an invasion of that cherished space.

They’re not necessarily anti-social. In fact, they may have an active social life outside of work. They simply prefer to keep their professional and personal lives separate.

2. They are fiercely independent

Another trait I’ve noticed in people who consciously avoid making close friends at work is their fierce independence.

I remember a colleague of mine, let’s call him Scott.

Scott was an incredibly talented software engineer and was always friendly and polite, but he rarely participated in after-work social events or lunchtime chit-chat. He was always focused on his work and never sought help unless absolutely necessary.

When I asked him about it, he said he believed in solving his own problems. His independence wasn’t born out of arrogance but rather from a desire to grow through challenges.

Scott’s approach to work reminded me of this quote. His independence wasn’t about isolating himself, but about taking control of his own growth and development.

3. They have a strong sense of self-awareness

People who shy away from close friendships at work often possess a keen sense of self-awareness. They’re in tune with their emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers.

In fact, I’ve noticed that they often use this self-awareness to navigate through their professional life effectively.

This doesn’t mean they’re cold or standoffish, but rather that they are mindful of their interactions and relationships.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I explore the principles of mindfulness and self-awareness in detail. The teachings show us how understanding ourselves better can help us navigate through life more peacefully and effectively.

These individuals often embody this principle, using their heightened self-awareness to manage their work relationships while maintaining a balanced emotional state.

4. They are highly strategic

Another trait I’ve observed in people who purposely avoid making close friends at work is their strategic approach towards professional relationships.

Psychologists often highlight the importance of strategic thinking in professional success.

People who don’t mingle closely at work often use this to their advantage. They can step back, observe, and strategize about their interactions and connections.

Instead of getting involved in office politics or workplace drama, they remain focused on their objectives. They ensure that their interactions are purposeful and contribute positively to their professional growth.

This strategic outlook allows them to maintain a healthy distance, preventing personal emotions from clouding their professional judgment.

5. They are often more empathetic

This might sound counter-intuitive, but people who avoid close friendships at work can often be more empathetic.

While they may not engage in daily small talk or after-work socials, they’re often very observant and attentive.

They can pick up on subtle cues and nuances that others may miss, allowing them to understand their colleagues on a deeper level.

Their decision to maintain professional boundaries doesn’t mean they don’t care about their coworkers. On the contrary, their empathy allows them to be supportive and understanding without crossing those boundaries.

6. They are often more focused and productive

People who consciously avoid making close friends at work often have an exceptional ability to focus. Their decision to keep personal and professional lives separate can lead to increased productivity.

Without the distraction of personal conversations, they can concentrate on their tasks more effectively.

Their work environment becomes a place of purpose and productivity, rather than socialization.

This does not mean they are robotic or distant, but rather that they are driven by their professional goals and ambitions.

7. They are often more resilient

Resilience is a trait that often goes hand in hand with those who avoid close friendships at work. They have learned to navigate through workplace challenges on their own, building resilience along the way.

I’ve had many challenging experiences in my professional life, some of which felt like climbing the steepest mountains.

But by choosing to rely on my own strength and resourcefulness, I was able to overcome those challenges and grow stronger.

8. They value authenticity

The last unique trait of people who consciously avoid making close friends at work is their high regard for authenticity.

These individuals often believe in showing up as their genuine selves in the workplace. They may feel that forming close friendships at work could pressure them into conforming or compromising their authenticity.

They prefer to maintain their individuality and personal values, even if it means keeping a certain distance from their colleagues.

As psychologist and author Brené Brown says, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”

Those who avoid close friendships at work often make this choice every day, valuing authenticity over conformity.

In conclusion: It’s a matter of personal choice

Human behavior is complex, and our preferences in the workplace are no exception.

For some, making close friends at work is a source of joy and a way to make the workday more enjoyable. Others, however, find value in maintaining a professional distance, employing the eight traits we’ve explored.

These individuals are not aloof or uncaring. On the contrary, they’re often empathetic, self-aware, and strategic. They value authenticity, personal space, and independence. Their approach may be different, but it’s valid and can be highly effective.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into the power of self-awareness and mindfulness. I believe that understanding these principles can help us appreciate different perspectives, such as those who choose to avoid close friendships at work.

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Tina Fey

I'm Tina Fey, the founder of the blog Love Connection. I've extremely passionate about sharing relationship advice. I've studied psychology and have my Masters in marital, family, and relationship counseling. I hope with all my heart to help you improve your relationships, and I hope that even if one thing I write helps you, it means more to me than just about anything else in the world. Check out my blog Love Connection, and if you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter

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