Toxic Work Friendships:

In recent years discussing toxic relationships has (finally!) become a norm to talk about.  For years it has seemed that you had to accept people and their traits in the workplace as  “That's just how they are.” 

But in reality, there are many different types of Toxic Relationships and personality types that can affect our work, romantic lives, and emotional health. And it can continue in and outside of the workplace, during team building outings, happy hours and even business trips.

While working, we’ve all known the following types of  toxic coworkers turned friends: 

(Note: this is a generalization-no science behind this, just my experience) 

• The Busy Bee: The one who's in everyones business ALL. OF. THE. TIME 

• The Gossip Girl (or Guy/Them): They have the tea on everyone in the office, you want to know who's doing what and who's doing who-they know.  XOXO-GG

• The Backhander: This person takes you under their wing at first, compliments your work, your presentations, really really praises you, but in the bitchiest way possible.  

• The Soul Sucker: Or also (for my Harry Potter folk out there) the Dementor. The person who just drains all forms of joy, life and happiness out of you. It’s not always their intention but their unhappiness is distracting. 

These types of personalities in the workplace can eat away at your core, they follow you home and can keep you up at night thinking about the conversations. Many times after dealing with these types of workplace personalities- it can make you feel unsure, uneasy and not wanting to go to work. It can develop into a Toxic Relationship WITH Work.

Those who really feel this are typically empaths. Empaths are people who can literally feel the emotions and pain of those around them, they are sensitive and are typically the ‘therapist’ in the office. 

When you leave a job, or if the course of life changes and you are ‘let go’ from the job, some relationships can remain. Noticing which friendships are worth keeping are key to your ‘bounce back’ aka the time when you’re feeling confident, ready to get back into work. 

One beautiful thing when leaving a job and giving yourself time and space, is the gift of perspective. You realize who is worth keeping in touch with, who can give advice and be a true friend when you’ve made your exit. Once you recognize whose people are-hold onto them, they are worth their weight in gold.  

Life is too short to be drained by someone else’s BS.