In an increasingly complex world, staying connected to each other can be challenging, hence the goal of this newsletter is to provide you with practical ideas through shared captures of French life bonding moments, and more.
Office Complicity
Last year, G. and I crossed paths during our end-of-study internship; he had started a month prior. Among the interns, three of us - G., D., and I - shared Mediterranean roots, which fostered an instant affinity and a joyful bond, reminiscent of the close connections often found in our respective regions of origin. Intrigued by their experiences of settling in France for education, work, and life by extension, I sought to learn more about their journeys. Our conversations during breaks and lunches flowed seamlessly, interspersed with the exchange and teaching of French phrases along the way.
Later, G. and I had the opportunity to collaborate directly together on a week-long commercial project, and I discovered another amusing side of him. Dexterous with all due diligence matters and perhaps owing to his training as an engineer, he approached his work like black coffee - solid, musky, and in one go. This revelation dawned on me belatedly; I should have realized it earlier when he was first asked about his dream occupation. While the rest of us were all pursuing artistic paths, he briskly answered ‘trader’. Amusing, as I mentioned.
Accordingly, my discussions with G. and D. have always been entertaining and instructive, underscored by our contrasting reading preferences and vocational debates. These dialogues extended beyond the confines of work, evolving into friendlier banters.
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Pasta, Coffee & Ice Cream
Finding a friend equally eager to try out savory flavors and new downtown addresses is comforting. And Mediterranean cuisine has a way of bringing people closer, so we instinctively - and perhaps conveniently - first met over pasta outside of work, during spring. They delivered what we were asking for: oil and sun. On the next occasion, G. and I opted for an autumnal coffee meetup, aiming to strike a balance by meeting once every season. Since I left the company, I have been pleased to learn about what he has been up to, as well as about the activities of former colleagues who stayed there.
Last weekend marked the onset of summer in Paris, ahead of time. He traded his customary black coffee for a cappuccino, perhaps aligning with the changing seasons or a gradual shift in his sensory inclinations. We sat beneath the lenient sun, sheltered by the canopy of a nearby London Plane tree. There was much to catch up on: his hurried move into an apartment on the left Bank, my joining a new club, his recent sojourn in Italy and impending one in Czech Republic, and my forthcoming holiday in Antibes.
Additionally, I discovered that D., fresh from a year of studies under the blistering Madrid sun - had taken up a work at a new Lebanese restaurant, as he often does during breaks from full-time employment. The close-knit diaspora community made it easier for him to find opportunities there. This time, the stated eatery happens to be located near Bachir, a renowned Lebanese ice cream brand. I was prompted to try the ‘Mastic’ flavor - assuming my memory serves correctly - accentuated with pistachios, as recommended by natives. Our next hangout is planned to take place there.
How to stay friends with colleagues
I have mixed feelings about forming friendships with colleagues, largely depending on the nature of the connection nurtured while working together. Several scenarios can apply:
If we’ve collaborated together over a significant period, the bond often retains a professional tone. While it might have brought two people closer in the moment, it usually fizzles out quickly.
In cases of less frequent interaction, conversations remain superficially polite and confined mostly to LinkedIn. In such cases, attending casual after-work gatherings can do wonders for keeping warmer contacts.
Interestingly, the most rewarding relationships so far have emerged from those I met but did not work directly with - by far. Even then, it’s often a hit-or-miss when the time comes to leave the company. If it's a hit, receiving a message from them feels as meaningful as one from a college friend.
These first observations are drawn from my experience - within specific companies and in a particular country - so they might be biased. Moreover, other factors, such as background similarities, could have been taken into account. I’m curious to read your perspective.
All in all, I was fortunate enough to join each company by choice, after ensuring a good fit, as evidenced with G. and D.
✍️ Tell me…
Have you formed friendships with your colleagues ?
Have those friendships survived the test of time ?
How do you prefer to stay connected with them ?