AITA: MY COWORKERS ANNOY ME

Hey! I work in a small office and my coworkers are always inviting me to go out and do things but I just do not vibe with them. I find them all a little bit cringey and annoying. Am I the asshole for always dodging their invites? Will it reflect poorly on me that I am not friends with my coworkers? 

No matter what your job, the people you spend your day with week after week impact your life in more ways than you realize. It sounds like you work in a close knit office but feel like a bit of a black sheep in the group. I hate to be the one to suggest you spend time with people you dislike, but would it really be so bad to show up once in a blue moon?

It's not necessarily wrong to dodge social invites if you genuinely don't feel comfortable or enjoy the company of your coworkers. Of course your personal time is completely yours and you have the freedom to spend it doing whatever your want. However, workplace dynamics can be delicate. 

While you don't have to be best friends with your coworkers, it could be beneficial to maintain a positive relationship with them. Socializing occasionally might help with group bonding and make your work environment more pleasant, even if it's just on a surface level. Long story short, it makes you look like a team player. A collaborator. And those are good qualities in the eyes of any employer. 

If you constantly decline, it could be seen as standoffish, which might impact how you're perceived at work. Finding a balance—perhaps joining occasionally without overcommitting—could help avoid any negative impressions without forcing yourself into situations you're uncomfortable with. Choose the events with a clear out - example: a quick lunch is easy because you will have to report back to the office! Think about if that would be doable for your free time and social battery. 

Balancing professional relationships in a small office can be tricky, especially when you're not vibing with your coworkers. While it's completely valid to have personal boundaries and preferences about socializing, it’s important to consider how consistent dodging of invites might be perceived. Try your best to put yourself out there, even if its a quarter of the time, just to out your best professional foot forward. You never know the connections you will make. Good luck, try your best, keep an open mind!