I suspect things are different, where I've been (UK, and Finland). But I'd expect to become friends with colleagues, take children on playdates, etc. Often ti

I suspect things are different, where I've been (UK, and Finland). But I'd expect to become friends with colleagues, take children on playdates, etc. Often times colleagues will go for beer after work, especially on Fridays, and otherwise hang out at lunchtimes. Here in Finland I've sat naked in a sauna with upper-management, drinking beer, and relaxing. Sure they're often not the people I'd expect to become friends with, but by virtue of having similar interests and spending a lot of time together you'll often have good relationships - not distant-ones - with colleagues. (It is worth noting, for example, just how many romantic relationships start in the workplace ..)