In the work place, it is best to remain professional and focused on the work. As to people, our interactions with them should be pleasant and full of goodwill. Some go an extra mile and maintain a general attitude of helpfulness and understanding of each other’s problems. As long as it some urgent issue that has come up it is alright, even good since spending long hours at workplace does turn it into an extended family of sort. However some people do use the work place as a catharsis of the personal problems at home. It is here that one should be careful as it may lead to emotional involvement during a vulnerable moment, which is not a healthy thing. It is one thing to be drawn close due to affinities, quite another to engage in close relationship when life is tough. The line between helpfulness and emotional involvement is sometimes thin and its blurring often leads to problems later on.
As to small talk, it is best to remain indifferent unless something is of general interest or of an uplifting nature. Though here too, the less one gets involved in discussions, especially since they tend to turn into heated arguments and animated debates in strongly opinionated people, the better it is. This does not mean holding a tight lip. It means a smiling and benevolent understanding of human foibles, not judging or condescending people for the smallness, yet refusing to be dragged into it.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
