Being very close to a colleague can make the difference between the daily grind and going to work with a smile on your face. And that's nice, but there's a fine line between work BFFs and being dependent. This can have some important implications in practice. For example, this good bond between you can keep other co-workers from approaching you, reducing your opportunities to succeed or make other friends at work. If any of the following is true, it's probably time to take a moment—and some space—to disconnect.
1. You have to stay behind your desk a few nights a week so you can actually work, because you usually spend a third of your day together at the coffee machine. Oops.
2. You two chat all day until you fall asleep.
3. That time she went to your lunch spot with someone else, felt like she was cheating on you.
4. When other co-workers don't give you the seat next to her during meetings, you're shocked.
5. When someone invites your work wife to lunch, to chat, or whatever, grab your bag and phone and say, “Where are we going?”
6. Your partner sends her a text when he or she can't reach you.
7. Your boss sometimes confuses your names.
8. When you arrive at your favorite lunch spot without her, the cashier asks, “Where is your girlfriend?”
9. Her week-long vacation is the longest, most boring week of your life.
10. You notice (and compliment) every new piece of clothing she wears to the office because you probably know every work outfit in her closet by heart.
12. You secretly hope she never looks for a new job – not because she doesn't deserve it, but what would you do if she ever left?
