Seven signs you have a work husband or wife

We all enjoy having friendships with the people we work with.

Let's face it, it makes the working day go a lot quicker.

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The moments where you get to have a chat next to the water cooler are the best parts of being in the office.

But there is another level to workplace friendships and that is where you might have a work spouse.

A work spouse is a co-worker of the opposite sex with whom you have formed a close relationship.

So close in fact that your behaviours may mimic that of a real marriage.

Unsure if you currently have a work spouse?

Here are seven signs you have one:

You depend on them for office supplies and snacks

There's nothing quite like feeling peckish during a hard day's graft.

If you have somebody who's always on hand to give you some of their snacks, you might have a work spouse on your hands.

You have inside jokes that only the two of you understand

Office banter is a healthy part of any company.

But if there are jokes that only you and your friend get, that's getting a little intimate, don't you think?

If something interesting happens at work, they're the first person you tell

Usually we save our best stories for those we love.

If we got a big promotion or got a dressing down from the boss, we want to tell somebody about it.

And if that person is always your 'work spouse', what does that tell you?

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When it comes to breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks, they know your order

They know your orders like the back of your hand, because they've ordered your food and coffee more than enough times.

You can be honest with them about their appearance, hygiene or hair

We usually take feedback about our looks from those we trust the most.

So if they're casual with the 'You got something between your teeth' or 'Did you shower today?', they might be closer than your typical colleague.

They know as much much about your personal life as your real partner or best friend

If it feels like they're living in your house without leaving the office, that could be a sign that you're very close indeed.

You finish each other's sentences

This cliche is often brought out with regards to romantic relationships, but it applies here too.

There are some benefits to a work spouse relationship of course.

You have somebody you can rely on for emotional support, which is always nice.

However, it could be misinterpreted as being a 'clique' by others in the workplace.

Plus if you guys do fall out, it could start feeling like a real break up.

Which nobody wants to experience at work - like ever.

Topics: Jobs, Sex and Relationships, Business

Ben Thompson