How do you open up to your co-workers? First, make sure you know who you are and you are confident with yourself. Doing this will help you open up on subjects you know a lot about and can help other co-workers thru situations and it will also help you to learn about a subject you know little or nothing about that a co-worker is very knowledgeable about. Educate yourself on new topics; doing this will help you be current and up to date on new technology.

Be supportive. Being available to a co-worker when they need either someone to talk to, vent to or even lean on will help you to build trust and respect. When a co-worker comes to you for support, they want to be able to trust and confide in you without having to worry about being judge or questions. What you can do for them is listen as they tell you what is going on and give them advice. Respect your co-worker by not telling other co workers. In turn, co-workers will respect your privacy also.

Friendships mean a lot to people and most of us make our closest friends in the workplace. Developing that friendship is the challenge. Find things you have in common and do them together. Maybe it is hiking of cycling after work. Set aside one evening after work or one morning before work and do this activity together. Going to lunch or attending work events together is another great way you can put yourself out there and meet your co workers. Some companies even have sporting teams that you can be a part of. If you don't want to play on the team, go and be a spectator and show your support for your company and co workers. If you have a seminar or grand opening, ask a co worker if they would like to attend with you or go to the event with you. If you are attending an event where alcohol is served, use your judgment and drink responsibly. You don't want to be the co worker that gets sloppy and embarrass themselves and the company.

Stay out of office politics or gossip. If you do this, it will show your employer and co-workers that you are attending work to work. You are not there to know what is going on in everyone's personal and work lives and you are not overly interested in how the company is going to stand financially and socially. When you are making friends with your employer and co-workers, use your common sense and know your boundaries. Some subjects are off limits for a reason. Show respect by not asking or putting your nose in the middle.

Take the time to help co-workers with their work. Do this when you are available and don't have a deadline you could possibly miss. Reviewing each other's work can be very helpful and can be some fresh advice to a co worker that has been working on assignment all day. Also share what you have learned about a subject. Be careful not to come across as arrogant on a subject by giving advice and suggestions.

When you are helpful and respectful to your co-workers, they will be excited to see you show up to work. They will invite you to lunch and they will have desire to be around you.