#work spouse

I don't have some profound point with me saying this. It's just something I've thought for years. It's WEIRD. It's so fucking weird. Again, I'm not saying it means cheating is involved – hell, maybe the work spouses are both single – but what's wrong with saying work buddy? Or work bestie?

Despite the Dilbert, I’m sad. My one true peer at work just put in her two week notice. She’d decided she’s had enough with the chaos and the managerial shenanigans at the small company for which we work.

I knew it had been coming for a long while. We had a layoff about a year ago and one of the most senior engineers, one of our friends, was let go. Since then work has left a bitter taste. I’ve…

In one 2006 survey, 32% of American workers admit to having an “Work Spouse”, an office husband or office wife with whom they have bonds similar to that of a marriage. source

Your partner seems to know everything about you — how you take your coffee, what your biggest priorities in life are, and how you like to manage stress after a long day at work. You spend so much time together that you can read each other’s minds.

As it turns out, you might have this type of relationship in the office, too. No, not an illicit relationship or an emotional affair — we’re talking about your work best friend, the person you always gripe about your day with and gravitate toward during happy hours. You might think of them as your office soulmate. In popular terms, they’re your “work spouse.”

At least 17% of workers report having a work spouse, while 48% say they have strong relationships at work. These friendships are extremely common and can offer a ton of benefits. Namely, your work spouse can play an important role in supporting your overall workplace happiness.

They can also have some serious drawbacks — especially if you’re not paying attention to your actual spouse.

But how do you know if you have this type of friendship at work? Here are a few common signs and tips to maintain healthy boundaries.