I agree... I don't tend to think anything of having break room or stairwell conversations with people that are far away in the organizational chart, and I don't

I agree... I don't tend to think anything of having break room or stairwell conversations with people that are far away in the organizational chart, and I don't worry that people will think there's an affair or conspiracy or something creepy going on if someone sees me talking to them. I don't really see the flaw in just taking everyone at face value, and making sure my business communications are restricted to saying exactly what I mean, no more no less. I generally expect others to take me at face value, too - if they don't, I see that as unprofessional since they could always ask me clarifying questions rather than attempt to read my tea leaves.