Making Friends - Getting Together Outside of Work

Sometimes co-workers get together outside of work, such as in the evenings or on weekends.

When co-workers get together, they might:

• Have lunch or dinner.
• See a movie.
• Go to a sporting event.
• Go for a walk or exercise.

If you are invited to spend time with one or more co-workers outside of work, you should go if you are interested.  You could say something like:

• "Sure! I’d love to go."
• "That sounds great. Thanks!"
• "Sounds good. When were you thinking?"

If someone of the opposite sex invites you to spend time with them outside of work, they may be interested in friendship, or they may be interested in dating.  Click here for more information about dating co-workers.

When you make plans, be sure you know:

WHAT activity you are going to be doing.

WHEN you will be doing the activity (day and time).

WHERE the activity will take place.

If you are not interested in hanging out with your co-workers after work, you can politely decline (turn down the invitation).  Saying that you don’t like that person or that you simply don’t want to hang out with them is not polite.  You should also avoid saying that their suggested idea / activity sounds boring because that might hurt their feelings.

Here are some polite ways to say no:

"Thanks for the invitation, but I’m not going to be able to make it." "Thank you, but I can’t." "I can’t. I’m busy that day." "I’m sorry, I have too much going on right now." "I’m sorry, but I’m not up for it right now." "I wish I could. Maybe another time." "I can’t, but have fun!" To decline an invitation politely, remember to use a friendly tone of voice rather than a bored or annoyed-sounding tone of voice.