I never thought I would have a problem with someone I considered my work friend.

We used to gist during lunch, complain about work together, help each other meet deadlines, and laugh about some of the things that happened in the office.

Then a promotion opportunity came up.

We were both interested.

At first, nothing changed. We even joked about it and told each other, “May the best person win.”

But as the competition became more serious, things started feeling different.

The person I used to tell everything suddenly became someone I had to be careful around. I started thinking twice before sharing certain information. Even our usual conversations didn't feel as natural anymore.

There was no big fight. Nobody insulted anyone. We simply became more cautious with each other.

That experience taught me something: you can genuinely like someone and still compete with them.

The important thing is not to allow competition to turn into resentment.

Sometimes, your work friend will get the opportunity you wanted. Sometimes, you will get it instead.

Either way, learn to separate the friendship from the competition.

Because work is work, and there is no reason why trying to succeed should make you enemies.

Have you ever found yourself competing with someone you considered a close friend at work?