Should you act friendly but a little distant toward co-workers? 

OF COURSE YOU SHOULD...CANT TRUST NOBODY!!!

Thank god I'm self-employed!

Never, ever...associate with a co-worker. If you quit or get fired you NEVER hear from them again. They are transitory, ephemeral people in your life.

Agree, keep things on a friendly, professional, superficial level. I rarely do lunch with my coworkers, unless my boss is present, because I know it rarely goes well. Sometimes they can undermine your authority or expertise or use some kind of information against you, if you express how you really feel about the company etc. When you change jobs, you’ll rarely keep in touch. I have a bunch of excuses prepared why I can’t go for lunch or out for drinks!

I'm so glad you brought this up, Marie. It sounds like a really good strategy. Im a good listener & love to help people but its also causing fatique so this is great to keep it this way.

Also a great way to speak to your neighbors as well. Thank you so much!

I think there is a happy medium to be found. You don't have to be distant and you don't have to be overly friendly (unless you want to be!). I think, also, I'd ask her if they are truly seeking advice from her or are they just venting? It's easy to misinterpret what someone wants from us. Sometimes people are just venting problems and not necessarily looking for advice. Sometimes we interpret this to mean they want us to give them advice but for many people, unsolicited advice is not welcomed. Your friend really needs to analyze her own behavior and see if she could possibly be at fault. Most people just want to be validated. When her coworkers complain, instead of offering advice, a simple "I know that must be difficult for you...." or something along those lines can be much better received than "..here's what you should do....." If the other party keeps complaining, she could ask them, "Would you like some advice?" And if they actually do want advice, leave it go at that and don't check back to see if they followed through with the advice that was given to them. It's always the other person's decision about what they want to do concerning a problem. Just because advice is offered does not mean it needs to be followed and by checking to see if they did can come off as very controlling on your friend's part and, thus, lead to a strained relationship.

It can get very messy very quickly at work. Keep it professionel and make friends outside of work.

U such a smart lady

You can listen a bit but don't get involved say, I'm sorry to hear that, that sounds rough what are you going to do about it? Don't get too involved of they are needy. Keep everyone at a polite distance. Talk to everyone but do t get too close.

Omg idk how i got to ypur channel but im loving your take on things..this topic here came ri on time..im in this situation..im a gd listener & ppl tend to gravitate towards me & nxt thing you know im holding all their freakin guts theyve spilled on to me! It drives me nuckn futs!!!!! I dnt mind listening but then i start getting annoyed & it shows yet they dnt pick up social ques for being so into wht they are sayimg....im def gona try this..even tho ive stopped giving advice..i just sit there& nod but im goma try wishing them well & immediately throw up another topic! up

Professional topics only

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