Having friends at work can make you happier and more productive. But those friendships can become draining if they take up too much of your time and energy. What do you do if that happens? Don’t abruptly cut the person off — instead, make small changes to shift the relationship’s dynamic. Try to tone down the intensity of your interactions and spend less time together. If you usually talk in person, switch to phone calls; if you chat on the phone, switch to email. And emphasize your professional relationship by keeping the conversation focused on work whenever possible. If you can’t draw such a hard line, set some boundaries while thinking about which aspects of the friendship you’d like to preserve. For example, if you regularly give your friend advice, pick one or two issues you’re willing to help with, and let them handle the rest on their own. It will take time to find a balance. Stay strong and stick to your boundaries.
Adapted from "What to Do When a Work Friendship Becomes Emotionally Draining," by Amy Gallo
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