What are your thoughts on keeping personal and professional relationships separate in the workplace? I have worked with the same group of people for the past nine years; when you spend time with your coworkers for that length time the dynamics of the professional working relationship may change; "most" people will have a genuine concern for the welfare of their coworkers. Within the office, there have been deaths of loved ones, children graduating from high school or college, marriages, and new additions to families. Those events can bring people together for celebrations and support during a time of need.