5 Tips To Help You Know That Your Work Friend Is Your Enemy

Upon introspecting your personal relationships, particularly friendships, you'll discern the presence of deeply authentic connections alongside those that have gradually faded away. Some bonds naturally wane, while others dissipate due to the geographical and lifestyle shifts that come with evolving life stages.

However, what about individuals who feign friendship only to reveal themselves as adversaries or frenemies? To clarify, they embody the concept of 'a wolf in sheep's clothing' within the realm of friendships. Whether in your local community, educational institutions, or workplace, these individuals are ubiquitous, especially in professional settings where a colleague may appear amiable upfront but engages in deceit or betrayal behind your back whenever you're not looking.

Owing to professional commitments, you might find yourself in close proximity to such individuals, necessitating regular socializing and daily interactions. These individuals present a facade of friendliness, but their true intentions become apparent when they seize any workplace mistake you make to undermine your position. They engage in spreading rumors and gossip to sabotage your standing within the workplace. Therefore, we have compiled a list of signs to help you discern whether your colleague, who seems like a friend at work, may actually harbor ill intentions.

# They constantly take credit for your work and ideas

If a colleague at work consistently appropriates credit for the ideas you've contributed and the tasks you've completed, it's indicative that this individual is not a genuine friend. Moreover, they may actively seek to undermine your position within the workplace. Claiming credit for someone else's work is unethical and can have detrimental effects on your career advancement, diminishing your prospects of receiving due recognition for your diligent efforts.

# They always gossip about you

If you confide in a colleague at work, sharing something personal or significant, and they subsequently gossip about it, divulging your private information to others, it serves as a clear warning sign. Such behavior suggests that this person lacks genuine concern for your well-being and may even attempt to discredit or undermine you in the presence of others. In such instances, it is advisable to distance yourself from such individuals.

# They bad-mouth your other colleagues

If your colleague at work consistently speaks ill of your other coworkers and endeavors to manipulate you against them, recognize that this is not a healthy friendship. Persistent scheming, planning, and the dissemination of doubt by this individual can detrimentally impact your relationships with other colleagues who genuinely care about you or could potentially become true friends. It is important to be wary of such behavior as it has the potential to harm your other meaningful connections in the workplace.

# They always find a way to criticize your work

If your colleague at work consistently attempts to belittle you, offering relentless criticism with the intention to harm and undermine, it's evident that they are not a true friend. While constructive criticism can be beneficial, excessive negativity and constant disparagement can manifest as a toxic trait. Such behavior may lead you to question your positive qualities and potentially steer you toward a detrimental path akin to a shipwreck.

# They purposefully exclude you from important meetings

If your colleague at work refrains from sharing crucial information or intentionally misguides you regarding significant events and meetings, going to the extent of excluding you, it's an indication that they aim to restrict your opportunities. Such individuals frequently attempt to isolate others from their coworkers and the broader work environment. Recognizing them as potential obstacles to your success, it is advisable to distance yourself from such individuals for your own benefit.