Things I keep in mind regarding relationships in a new environment

I think many people worry about relationships when they enter a new environment in April.
This time, I'll write about what I think, what I'm conscious of, and what I do.

Especially regarding relationships in a workplace where I'll likely spend the next few years.

Of course, I think behavior changes depending on the person's character and the atmosphere of the workplace, and this isn't necessarily the only right answer.I'd be happy if you could just look at this as one way of thinking.

The workplace is not a place where people gather because they like each other

The workplace is not a community that gathers because people want to make friends.
People just happen to be gathered in the same place for the sake of living and working.
I think if you forget this premise, you end up getting hurt over meaningless things or, conversely, hurting the other person.

Don't try too hard to make yourself look good

When you enter a new environment, you sometimes feel anxious because you feel like you have to fit in quickly.
If it's a workplace where you might be for years to come, everything isn't decided in the first few days or weeks.

Since we are human, I think it's natural to want to be seen well by people you meet for the first time.
But,if you force yourself to laugh at someone's unfunny story or act in a way you don't normally do just because you want to look good in that moment, you'll end up shooting yourself in the foot in the long run.
A character you force yourself to play will become exhausting later.

Don't close the distance too quickly

Even if you're talking with the intention of becoming friends, the other person might feel like you're overstepping.

A common occurrence is joining in on the teasing between two close friends when you don't have a relationship with them yet.
The same content feels completely different depending on whether there is a relationship or not.
Even if the person is just trying to fit in, I think the other person might find it rude.

I think you'll naturally become friends with those you're meant to without rushing, and with those you won't, nothing you do will change that.

Don't force yourself to talk

I think it's fine not to force yourself to talk.
If you get anxious thinking you have to say something, you'll end up backfiring.
If things get awkward there,I think it becomes harder to improve the relationship afterward.
At first, it's enough to just greet and respond properly, and as you spend more time together, topics will naturally come up.

Express gratitude properly

In a new environment, there are many times when you are taught things or helped.
That's why I make sure to properly say "thank you."
This might be the most important thing of all.
Expressing gratitude is something you should definitely continue even after you've become friends and the relationship has loosened up a bit.

Call people by their names

I try to call people by their names when I know them.
I think when someone feels that you truly recognize them, their feelings toward you change a little.
When the other person starts calling me by my name too, I feel like they've let their guard down a little.

Don't take time off as much as possible

In workplace relationships especially, I think people first look at whether you can do the job.
Next, they look at whether you show up and put in the effort.
That's why, especially at the beginning, I make sure not to take time off.
Just by being there, your character will gradually come across, and you'll have more opportunities to get to know people.

Don't speak ill of others or gossip

I make sure never to speak ill of others or gossip.
I suppose there are cases where people bond over bad-mouthing others, but I think those relationships are superficial and fall apart quickly.
Besides, I can't fully trust people who speak ill of others or gossip, and I find it hard to open up to them.

Summary

Relationships are more complex than you'd think, and I don't think there's a magic bullet that makes everything go well if you just do this.
This time, I wrote down some of the things I've come to think about relationships throughout my life.
I'd be happy if any parts that resonate with you prove useful.

Since I thought it might feel too heavy with just text this time, I included some AI-generated images along the way.
It ended up being a bit like a comedy sketch, so I apologize if it was distracting.