As Americans, we spend 40+ hours a week working, and most of us work in an office or closely with others. We spend more time with our coworkers than we do with friends and family, making it a delicate relationship. Whether we like each other or not, coworkers must uphold a level of respect for one another and the workplace. We naturally get comfortable over time; forgetting that we have a direct affect on who we work with and their comfort. Thanks to being indoctrinated early on with a social contract that tells us to avoid conflict by ignoring issues, trivial things can turn into major issues.

The good news? There's a way to resolve these issues that doesn't involve direct conflict between coworkers – self-analysis. As upstanding citizens, it's our responsibility to measure our effect on those around us. Are we hygienic, respectful, helpful, aware, communicative, etc.? Don't wait for others to get so tired of you that they have to confront you about it. Take time to reflect on yourself and things you may do that have an impact on others.