From cubicle neighbors to chosen family
Nadia and I met on my first terrifying day at the clinic, when she appeared at my desk with a sticky note that said, 'Lunch is at noon. Sit with me. You're fine.' I have kept that note for nine years. That's Nadia — she spots the person treading water and swims over before they wave. I've watched her do it for new hires, for patients, for me during the worst year of my life, when she covered my Fridays for two months and never mentioned it once. Work friends are supposed to stay at work. Nadia refused. She showed up at my apartment, my birthdays, my emergencies, until 'coworker' became the funniest possible word for what she is. Scott, she'll spot you treading water from across any room. You'll never wave alone again. Please raise your glasses: to Nadia and Scott!
Why it works: The saved sticky note is physical proof of nine years of friendship, worth more than any list of adjectives.
Customize it: Open with the actual first kindness your coworker showed you — the note, the coffee, the rescue in a meeting.