When you spend so much time at work, it's important that you're on friendly terms with your colleagues. Here are five situations with useful phrases that you can use to build great working relationships.

1. Don't always complain

You know the expression "Smile and the world smiles with you"? Of course you can't be happy all the time, but if you always complain, people might not want to get to know you. So if someone asks you how you are (and you feel terrible), say something like:

"Can't complain!"
"Oh, the usual!"
"Hm, so-so."

2. Limit the gossip

We all love to gossip occasionally, but if you do too much of it, you'll get a reputation. So what can you say if someone tries to involve you?

"Look, I'll catch up with you later!"
"Can't chat I'm afraid. I'm up to my ears in it!" (ie you are drowning in work...)

3. Don't get involved in other people's arguments

If someone asks you for your opinion, or expects you to take sides (no longer be neutral), you can tactfully say:

"I think I'll stay out of this one!"
"I don't have an opinion eit her way." 
"You're asking the wrong person!"

4. Be helpful

If you see someone struggling with something, offer to help:

"Need a hand with that?"
"Are you alright with that?"

5. Offer to make the tea!

If you're with English speakers, you can make friends almost instantly if you offer them a cup of tea. Here are some phrases we often use:

"Fancy a cuppa?" (cuppa = cup of tea)
"My turn to get the tea!"

You'll probably hear something like:

"Mine's with two sugars" or "Make that two sugars!" or "Just a splash of milk, please."

(Just a brief note about tea. We generally drink it hot, with milk. Sugar is optional.) 

Thank you!

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