## "Miscellaneous Talk

[doctormama]

I'd like to start with some random thoughts that've been stuck on my mind lately: what's your take on people who make friends with their co-workers, yet go out of their way to avoid seeing them before/after shifts? Is it just me thinking it's awkward or is there a more plausible explanation for this dynamic?

 

[koala]

I think it's a classic case of people wanting to maintain a professional boundary at work, but still being comfortable around their colleagues. Perhaps they're not avoiding you, per se, just being mindful of not blurring the lines between work and personal life. But at the same time, seeing each other outside of shifts can create an awkward dynamic if they're not sure how to navigate it. Plus, people's personal preferences and boundaries vary greatly, so it's hard to generalize. Some might feel comfortable going out for a coffee or chatting about non-work stuff during breaks, while others would rather stick to a "work mode" only.