Social Circles and Work Squares

Finding Your Perfect Fit in a Mixed-Up World

Ever found yourself pondering the different flavors of friendships and work relationships in your life? It's like picking your favorite ice cream on a hot day – there are so many options, and they all offer a unique taste. Some of us vibe with a small, cozy group of friends, while others love to spread their wings and connect with as many folks as possible. And then there's the work crew, a whole different ballgame.

Recently, taking to heart the above premise, I was scrolling through my connections on different social media (if we are still connected, congrats, you made the cut) just to see if I could reduce the sheer numbers to true connections or closed friends. Of course, Facebook or Instagram did not receive the same treatment as LinkedIN or X because I always try to keep some compartmentalizations between my different worlds.

Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and everything in between of these social dynamics.

The Inner Circle Squad

Rocking a tight group of friends is like having your personal dream team. These are the folks who know you inside out, who you can call at 3 AM, and who always have your back. The emotional support is next-level, and the trust? Unbreakable. It’s about those heart-to-heart talks and knowing someone is always in your corner. I have a close group of friends I have known for almost my whole life. Despite the distances, we still stay in touch regularly and if one of us is within the vicinity of others, of course it will lead to another epic night of unfiltered chats and drinks and fun. Almost like siblings but these, you have chosen.

But, it’s not all perfect. With a smaller squad, you might miss out on different viewpoints and experiences. It's easy to get comfy in your bubble. And if drama strikes or someone moves away, or worst as a very close friend passed away recently, it hits hard. Plus, in terms of networking, a smaller circle might mean fewer opportunities knocking on your door (which is debatable as I don’t expect anything from my close friends beside them just not being a..holes).

The Everywhere-and-Everyone Approach

For the social butterflies, life’s a party, and everyone's invited. You thrive on meeting new people, soaking up diverse perspectives, and yes, the networking perks are sweet. It's like having a key to every city – there’s always something going on and someone to meet.

However, this social whirlwind can come with its downsides. Those hundreds of contacts? They might not all be there when the chips are down. It's tough to create deep, meaningful connections when you're in constant motion. And let’s be real, keeping up with everyone can be downright exhausting. Plus, with so many acquaintances, privacy and trust can sometimes feel like luxury items.

The Work Connection Conundrum

Navigating work relationships is like playing a strategic board game. It’s about building alliances, collaborating, and growing your career. The diversity of thought and innovation in professional settings can be super stimulating, and yes, the networking can lead to some golden opportunities.

But, let's face it, sometimes these relationships feel more like business transactions than genuine connections. The competitive vibe can put a damper on trust, and balancing your professional and personal selves can be a tightrope walk. Plus, when work is life, finding time for those outside-of-work friendships can be a challenge.

Finding Your Perfect Blend

So, how do we mix and match these different social styles to suit our lives? It’s like being a DJ at your own life party – finding the right balance is key. Some folks might find that a close-knit group of friends perfectly complements a bustling network of work contacts, giving them the best of both worlds. I am definitely in that category avoiding as much as possible at mixing these two crews. Yet, some former colleagues became close friends over time. But it was not instant. Professional trust doesn’t not equate to personal trust. And friendships are all about trust. Others might prefer to live large across the board, thriving on the energy of constant social and professional engagement.

The secret sauce? It’s all about what fulfills you and makes you feel connected. For some, deep conversations with a few trusted friends beat out a hundred party invites. For others, the thrill of new connections and opportunities lights up their world. And when it comes to work, maybe it's about finding those few colleagues who can blur the line between workmate and friend, making the daily grind a lot more enjoyable. You just have to remain a bit careful there. I vividly remember two colleagues everyone knew as a “work couple”, nothing romantic but the dynamic at work was the same as a couple. They could finish the sentence of each other, they could anticipate the needs of the other, knew their favorite drinks, food, etc. And both were married. It didn’t end well, breaking two mariages and after a year or so, that “work couple” which was now more than work went through a bitter break-up creating a toxic mood in the team. Both were let go within a quarter. They lost everything and everyone.

At the end of the day, navigating these relationships – be they deep and few or broad and many – adds a rich layer to our lives. Whether you’re a die-hard member of the inner circle squad, a social butterfly, or a mix of both, the aim is to cultivate connections that bring joy, growth, and a sense of belonging, both in our personal lives and at work. I am an extrovert introvert and my close friends know a side of me my work colleagues do not. But my friends also have little clue of how I am as a professional. Not on purpose, but because I want to maintain boundaries for me and them not between us.

So, here’s to finding your tribe, making those connections, and rocking the social dance in a way that’s uniquely you. After all, life’s too short to not enjoy the party, right?

Catch you on the flip side.