AITA (Am I the a-hole) for making a coworker upset

In a recent workplace situation, an individual found themselves at odds with a coworker over the nature of their relationship. The issue arose on their final day at a job where they had worked for over two years. The coworker repeatedly referred to the individual as a “friend” and expressed that they would miss them. However, the individual corrected them by stating that they did not consider them a friend but rather just a coworker.

The individual explained their perspective, noting that their definition of friendship involves spending time together outside of work and maintaining personal communication. They had previously attempted to make plans outside of work, which the coworker consistently declined, leading them to view the relationship as purely professional.

When confronted with this distinction, the coworker was taken aback and upset. They argued that friendships can vary and that the relationship should be considered a friendship based on their interactions at work. Despite the individual’s attempt to communicate their boundaries politely, the coworker deemed the response as hurtful and accusatory, labeling the individual as an “asshole.”

The situation highlights a fundamental difference in how individuals perceive and define friendships. While the coworker saw their interactions as indicative of friendship, the individual held a more specific view that friendships require personal engagement beyond the workplace. The disagreement underscores the subjective nature of social relationships and the impact of differing expectations on interpersonal dynamics in professional settings.

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