Is it normal to not talk in the office?

64% Normal
18 Comments

Through out my professional life, I am 32 years old, I have found it difficult to fit into an office atmosphere. I struggle to no when to talk to know when to laugh to know when to be quiet. I freak out thinking "am I being to quiet, will people think that i am strange". My default mechanism is to stay quiet and not talk, I may come in at the beginning of the day and say good morning, ask the person next to me if they have nice plans in the evening and then quietly leave home only to repeat the next day. I hate it because I feel I am suffering 'locked in syndrome'. Others are talking around me, laughing and even having fun, but I struggle to join in. Is this normal to have these feelings, would be glad to hear about similar feelings foremothers out there reading this. thanks.

Voting Results
64% Normal
Based on 25 votes (16 yes)
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Comments ( 18 )
  • kittycatrelle
    8 years ago

    Don't trust anyone especially a co worker, ita not school. People aren't there for friends but to get ahead. People will throw you under the bus once you become ,"cool ". Stay outside the crowd, your boss will notice. Take heed

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    • bucho's_butt
      8 years ago

      Absofuckinglootely. Repeat after me OP: Do not trust coworkers.

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      • kittycatrelle
        8 years ago

        Shoot, I'll write it on a black board 50 times!!

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        • dinz
          8 years ago

          I don't know about that. I have made friends among my colleagues and find it helps you thru the day. My employer encourage interactions among colleagues to boost morale.

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          • kittycatrelle
            8 years ago

            That sounds amazing and healthy. I am a NewYorker and its best to keep people at arms length.

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  • Geturshittogetherfriend
    8 years ago

    I get the same exact thing. I don't know what to say other than try set a goal and find out exactly what kind of connection your looking for with your coworkers. Do you want to be able to have casual conversations with them or do you want some drinking buddies? That kind of thing. Try not to follow the model of everyone else's relationships with each other around, you're an individual who forms relationships in their own way. I don't know if I'm making any sense but I hope I'm helpful!

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  • bucho's_butt
    8 years ago

    OP, I think the bottom line here is make friends at work if you want to, but keep them at arms length. Don't trust them with your secrets. And also, don't be like me. Don't try to pursue the women you work with. Bad, bad road. If you're prone to high levels of stress then it will most likely make you insane over time.

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  • HarmoniousNaturalGroping
    8 years ago

    I don't normally talk much at work either. It's just something to pay the bills, not a place to enjoy.

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    • bucho's_butt
      8 years ago

      I'm not the OP but I have issues with that statement. The place I work at is a fun work atmosphere and it's very social, but at the same time it can seem like a shark tank. I don't work in an office. I think the best thing is to make friends at work but keep them at a distance. Don't be best friends with them. Your best friends can turn into your worst enemy, especially at work, where they could completely destroy you if things turn. Applying the 48 laws of power to the situation is probably the thing to do.

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  • kittycatrelle
    8 years ago

    First of all keep it as you presently have it. Those people are not your friend. Trust me they are there just to pay rent and get out. Its not a social atmosphere. Developing office friendships can be a double edge sword. Once you let someone in you can't let them out. Ultimately, your boss or bosses see you. Beware! I smile at certain co workers but always keep it moving!! I'm being paid, not played!

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  • Steve2.00
    8 years ago

    If you were suffering from locked in syndrome, you wouldn't be able to move, so you're wrong about that. Also, who cares if you don't talk in the office? The purpose of an office is to provide an environment in which one can accomplish tasks efficiently, not to provide a party.

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    • skilful_soldier3
      8 years ago

      You are a fat asshole with no friends.

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      • Steve2.00
        8 years ago

        I'M the fat asshole with no friends?

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        • HarmoniousNaturalGroping
          8 years ago

          Yes.

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  • yu-gi-ohChampion25
    8 years ago

    make yourself more desirable,and magically you'll have plenty of friends at the office ok? you already know that

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  • yu-gi-ohChampion25
    8 years ago

    i dont know what you want us to say.....

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    • mauricetext
      8 years ago

      well......is it normal? clue's in the website name

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    • mauricetext
      8 years ago

      thank you for reading

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