Core Argument - The common saying "Your colleagues are not your friends" is a limiting belief that prevents meaningful connections at work [1][10] - Friendship at work is not about location but about shared values and connection [3][10][17] - The idea that work and friendship are mutually exclusive is false; humans are relational beings [13][14] Supporting Evidence - Personal anecdotes illustrate how friendships with colleagues (Oluchi, a boss, and an office assistant named Innocent) enriched the speaker's life and career [4][5][6][7][8][9] - A 23-year friendship with a colleague named Oluchi, highlighting shared experiences and mutual support [5] - A decade-long friendship with a former boss, based on shared life goals and values [7] - A 24-year friendship with a former office assistant, whom the speaker mentored [8] - Finding love and building a 20-year marriage with someone met at work [9] Implications - Believing colleagues cannot be friends can lead to missed opportunities for fulfilling relationships [10] - The workplace is not inherently different from other social environments where friendships form [12] - Vulnerability is necessary for building friendships, even though it can be uncomfortable [16] - Connectedness at work can lead to more meaningful and life-changing work, supported by a McKinsey study [15] Call to Action - Look beyond the work and see the people behind the work to foster connections [17] - Challenge the notion that colleagues cannot be friends, recognizing that it's about the people, not the place [18]