I see the general direction you're coming from, but in my own mental model I see the following divide:
1. Things that are simply silly. I like assembling toy models. Is it silly? Absolutely. Am I shy about talking about it with peers or making jokes about it? Nope. It's just silly. Same goes for my favorite wing place or a dozen other topics.
2. Things that are possibly offensive. A good model here is "combustible topics". Even if the topic itself may not bother someone, it could become that way. Religion, politics, social theory, etc. It's not that I don't have plenty of opinions here, it's that work is not the right place to raise these up. I also recommend avoiding them at family events, and any other situation in which strangers are trapped into conversing with you.
But I agree with this:
> I don't understand... those who base their social lives around co-workers
Dangerous territory. You may be great friends in real life but be on opposite sides of the table at work or vice versa. Worst of all, you may find out someone who you work with constantly has several behaviors or opinions you find distasteful. Keep some space.
1. Things that are simply silly. I like assembling toy models. Is it silly? Absolutely. Am I shy about talking about it with peers or making jokes about it? Nope. It's just silly. Same goes for my favorite wing place or a dozen other topics.
2. Things that are possibly offensive. A good model here is "combustible topics". Even if the topic itself may not bother someone, it could become that way. Religion, politics, social theory, etc. It's not that I don't have plenty of opinions here, it's that work is not the right place to raise these up. I also recommend avoiding them at family events, and any other situation in which strangers are trapped into conversing with you.
But I agree with this: > I don't understand... those who base their social lives around co-workers
Dangerous territory. You may be great friends in real life but be on opposite sides of the table at work or vice versa. Worst of all, you may find out someone who you work with constantly has several behaviors or opinions you find distasteful. Keep some space.