It’s an old idea but one that still holds true even in today’s workplace. That is, in order to have friends, you have to be a friend. You certainly don’t have to become the office extrovert. But little gestures let people know you are interested in interacting with them and developing a relationship.

Try saying hello and good-bye everyday when you come and go from work. Decorate your office or cubby with personal items such as photographs and posters or mementos. This gives people some idea of who you are and what you are interested in. You can also take the opportunity to notice how other people have decorated their work areas and use interest in their photos or other items to start conversation.

Be sure to thank people who do things for you and offer praise, either in person or through e-mail, to co-workers who have been working especially hard or completed an important project. Ask co-workers about their weekends or vacations and really listen to their responses. Respond in a way that lets the person know you have heard them (e.g. “Wow, that sounds great!” or “What a wonderful trip.”) If appropriate, offer information about your own weekend or vacation also.

Ask a co-worker to lunch. The worse that can happen is that they can say no. But they might just say yes or invite you another time.