HERE'S WHY YOUR COLLEAGUES ARE FOR KEEPS

Our colleagues are some of the people we spent most of our times with. Albeit some colleagues trigger us to develop a certain sort of dislike for them, others are undeniably easier to get along with. The latter eventually develops into an even deeper bond as time progresses. 

1. THEY UNDERSTAND YOU.

Working in the same setting and for the same group of people, our colleagues understand the root cause of our frustrations, anger and exhaustion. And they downright know where all of these are coming from. They don't pass judgment when you come tardy the next day 'cause they are aware of the extra long hours you dwell to get work done the previous day. They eagerly listen to your extra long narrative about a difficult client 'cause they utterly share the same sentiments. They even understand when you fake your sick leave 'cause just like them, you're in dire need of rest. No one understands you better than your colleagues.

2. THEY DREAM WITH YOU.

Working in the same industry, our colleagues see our vision and future endeavors. They share the same dream of working overseas, of bragging the upcoming promotion, of setting foot to greener pastures, of working relatively hard to shoulder the expenses of masteral's degree, of dreaming for a better life for one's family. You give each other that extra encouragement to pass that application letter and to pursue that dream job. You even go hand in hand through all the preparations and process of attaining all that. They even help you outweigh the risks and outcomes once you pass that resignation letter or once you accept that job offer. They just don't entirely see your dreams, they dream with you.

3. THEY ARE THE ONES YOU SHARE TOXIC MOMENTS WITH.

Whether going home extremely late at 1 am or struggling through heavy loads, you'll find that you share all these toxic moments with your colleagues. Most days at work, we are faced with challenges that maximizes our potential, but physically and emotionally drain ourselves altogether. Certain times we often find these situations impossible to pull through, but with the amount of aid our colleagues offer, anything can be within our grasp. It is rather easy to face another toxic day at work with these people you have come to love as your friends than do another day without them. The best part of all these toxicity is when it ends, you'll learn to laugh it all off over a course of heavy meal.

4. THEY ARE CONFIDANTS/TRAVEL BUDDIES

Working full time accounts for larger time spent at work and the relatively small amount of free time left is preferred to be spared on sleep. Consequently, it's outright difficult to find time to catch up with HS and College friends considering they are also at their respective work. But it's an entirely good thing that you have your colleagues to vent out to and to share the ins and outs of your life. Further, since you most likely have the same schedules, you can always meet in the middle and plan for travels are easier at hand.

5. THEY ARE FOOD/ALCOHOL BUDDIES

Who else will you rather eat and drink off all your work-related stress but with the ones that share the similar work stress. Right? It is a breath of fresh air when you, alongside your colleagues discuss all your frustrations and disappointments at work over food and liquor. By doing a healthy discourse, all the stress related to work are gradually removed from your system and somehow it's one form of detox. These conversations that solely tackles work progressively turns into more personal aspect of one's life. 

6. THEY KEEP IN TOUCH. 

Even after you passed your resignation letter and no longer affiliated with the same company they are, they managed to keep in touch with you, and you can always beep them up as you wish. These are actual signs that you have developed a deep relationship outside work. You go out and catch up once in a while and even often plan on the next trips in line. They never forget to invite you during department outings and always inquire genuinely on how you're holding up. These relationships doesn't end once work ends.

And although all of these initially started because you basically don't have a choice but work with these people, you'll realize that they are no longer just your colleagues, but your friends through and through.