Are you obligated to invite your good friend everywhere you go?

[Anonymous]

one of my good friends works in another place ten minutes away from me. we often have a similar lunch break time. but, sometimes my coworker wants to go out to lunch with just me (don't think she likes my friend that much).

but, my friend is the type who might be offended or annoyed if I don't invite her if she has lunch break too. but, sometimes I just want to be alone with my coworker so we can talk about work stuff and chat.

am I obligated to invite my friend all the time? she is the sensitive type but I feel caught in the middle.

[DanAG]

You are never obligated to invite her anywhere. Establishing good relations with your co-workers is important for both your job and career. Your friend should understand your reasons, and if she doesn't and still pushes, then she's too clingy.

If she's just lonely and doesn't have anyone to eat with, maybe compromise and schedule a time after work or something. Or even schedule a lunch date ahead of time on a certain date. That way you can tell your co-worker that you have prior obligations. That should be OK as long as your "prior obligations" only happen occasionally.

[cherokeeblake1]

Good advice right here.

[Paul022]

I understand what you're saying. I think everyone does what they want to do at the end of the day. and me and the lads have done it several times when we haven't invited people out. its also happened to me. I don't think there's anything wrong with it. sometimes you have different people to meet up with and your mates don't always have to be there. there's no contract I don't think (and if there is let me know) where it says you have to invite your mates everywhere you go ;)

[kangaru]

I do feel obligated to ask my good friend out but if it is lunch I would be honest and tell her I need time w my co worker.

[lauramor]

no, it happened to me to in a differnet context and I jsut did what I wanted to do,

[Lommelun]

Only if you have no life but what is defined by your friends.

[Anonymous]

You aren't obligated to do so in my opinion either.

[Anonymous]

No you can do what you want.

[Anonymous]

no, I never do that