Listen to your gut and keep and out for red flags at work

The coworkers you see every day can make the most tedious jobs seem enjoyable. It is quite common to form some deep bonds with your works, to the point that phrases like ‘work husband’ or ‘work wife’ are often used. However, you might be dealing with a work friendship that is turning toxic. Here are a few signs you can look out for.

If your friend requires a lot of favoritism, it might be time to reevaluate. Coworkers will expect you to take their side in disputes, but this is a professional setting. You can’t be expected to compromise on your own career path or to build animosity with others in the company just because they don’t get along with your coworker. You need to consider the merits of the situation when taking sides, if any.

Your own work should not be affected by the existence of the friendship. If you feel like you won’t be able to do your tasks or that your job security would be jeopardized if you end the friendship, then this relationship has been built on a weak foundation. You need to be able to get your job done without having to rely on the bias of someone else. Plus, you shouldn’t find yourself being nice to someone for professional gain. It’s unfair to both of you.

Like normal friendships, your coworker and you need trust to maintain the relationship. If they do something that betrays this trust — such as going through your files or taking credit for something you did — the friendship is likely toxic.

Don’t pick up their bad habits. Many coworkers enjoy gossiping. Whether this is your equal or above you in rank, you might consciously or subconsciously take cues from their habits. Research shows that we do mimic our leaders. Even in a bad work environment, you shouldn’t have to turn into a bad person to adapt to the situation.