DEAR ABBY: I am 15, and in my job I work with some of my cousins and siblings. There are other people, too. I make friends easily because I can talk to everyone.
Everyone I work with says I'm flirting with two guys who are just my friends. I don't want people to think I'm flirting because I'm not. How can I convince people that we are just friends and nothing more? -- FRIENDLY TEEN IN IDAHO
DEAR TEEN: The individuals who are accusing you of flirting may be teasing you to get a reaction. Or, they may be trying to point out something important that you should keep in mind when you are working. Working with someone is different from hanging out. The relationships are a little more formal (and serious) than in a social environment away from the job.
This will not be your only venture into the workforce, and when you are a little older, you will realize that rules discouraging personal relationships between co-workers, both written and unwritten, are put in place to protect you and the business. So rather than work on convincing "people" that you're not flirting, be your friendly self but in a more professional way.