7 Signs You Have a Work Spouse

Signs You Have a Work SpouseI recently left a corporate job where I had a "work spouse." In case you're unfamiliar with the term, a work spouse is a co-worker of the opposite sex with whom you've developed a close platonic relationship.
According to Vault.com's 2011 Office Romance Survey Results, 28% of those surveyed admitted to having a work spouse.

As a 28%er, I feel the need to explain that "Andy" and I were nothing more than great friends who shared a joint distaste for office politics and our company's cafeteria. We shared laughs, acted as each other's support system, and in a time when making it through another workday was nothing short of survival, Andy made it possible -- as a friend, and only a friend.

Check out these 7 telltale signs of workplace matrimony, if you think you may have a work spouse!




You're Always Together1. You're Always Together
As work besties you remain inseparable during lunches, breaks, and even emergency fire drills. (And that's only when you're not chatting on the phone, emailing, and instant messaging.)
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You've Got Dirt on Each Other2. You've Got Dirt on Each Other
He knows you call your boss "Pillsbury Doughboy." You know about his secret fling with Sarah from Accounting. Even when you bicker, you know these secrets follow you to the grave.
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You Had to Be There3. You Had To Be There
With your silly inside jokes and impressions of one another, it's a wonder you don't have your own language...oh right, you do.
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Related: 11 awesome things about my husband being unemployed




You're Brutally Honest with Each Other4. You're Brutally Honest with Each Other
Beyond spinach in your teeth and pen on your face, he (and only he) can tell you that dress makes you look pregnant. You (and only you) can tell him that shirt makes him look like a tool.
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You Don't Mind Staying Late...5. You Don't Mind Staying Late...
...if, and only if, your work spouse has to stay late too. Misery loves company, especially awesome company.
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He or She is the Person You Turn To6. He or She is the Person You Turn To
Your work spouse is your immediate go-to for intel relating to hirings, firings, promotions, demotions, freak-outs, and of course, gossip.
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Related: 10 things you should never say to a working mother





He or She is Your Hero7. He or She is Your Hero
Whether you need a pain reliever, floss, a ride back from the mechanic, or help recovering a lost file, your work spouse is at your service.
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While work spouse relationships have the ability to make work more enjoyable, there is a potential downside. CNN reported that in a 2009 CareerBuilder survey, 20% of participants said their spouse was jealous of their work spouse relationship.


- By Lori Garcia
Follow Lori on Babble


For more signs you have a work spouse, visit Babble!


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