There is no way I would have been as close to those people if not for this paid social time. One of the worst aspects IMHO of the US working culture is the blu

There is no way I would have been as close to those people if not for this paid social time. One of the worst aspects IMHO of the US working culture is the blurring of the working/personal divide. Because the consequence is the semi-permanent working state of mind. Don't get me wrong, I like to get along with my colleagues. But they're that, colleagues, not friends. These events only perpetuate the working vibe and merge it with the after-working-hours.