Judith Martin, widely known as Miss Manners, has spent over four decades offering insight on etiquette and appropriate conduct through her popular newspaper column. Her guidance covers various aspects of professional behavior, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a certain level of professionalism in the workplace. In a conversation regarding her book, Miss Manners Minds Your Business, she highlights the need for boundaries, stating that work environments should not become venues for sharing personal affairs that might distract from professional responsibilities.

Mrs. Martin points out that the nature of relationships at work differs significantly from personal friendships; a workfriend does not always equal a social friend. While a workfriend can support you in achieving job-related goals, a social friend may allow for more personal emotional exchanges. Hence, it is crucial to maintain a certain distance at work to ensure that the focus remains on completing the tasks required, thereby maintaining a productive and professional atmosphere.