I need to know how close I should get to the people I work with. It is a 6 person ice cream shop (including owner/wife).

I want to function as best as possible in my job + not hurt anyone. I'm amazingly people-stupid, so the friendship thing might be risky. Not sure.

Whenever you are just starting a job it's best to keep things on a professional level for a while. If you have trouble with interpersonal relationships than you should keep it "just business" for 6 months and then re-evaluate.

ask em if they wanna go out back and burn one

noted, thank you.

No one is asking or expecting you to wine & dine w/ your co-workers.Your primary concern should be for U to happily co-exist w/ your fellow workers.Your employment there will help you immensely w/ improving your social interaction skills w/ others.Godspeed!Cy

Over the years, I've learned that if you have a personal crisis going on, don't share it with anyone unless you have to, such as with your boss with regard to how it may impact your time at work. Even folks you think are your friends can often use your stuff for drama fodder and often you will forever be defined by your long-past personal crisis, plus you'll be forever reminded and questioned about something you no longer deal with.

i made the mistake of telling some of my co-workers about my upcoming divorce and that was a mistake. every day i get all kinds of questions about it from them. sometimes it is best to keep personal things personal. just talk with you co-workers and keep a business friendly attitude with them...that will keep them happy and out of your head ( so to speak ). if they ask you a personal question and they really are sincere about it, then open up...but just a little bit. just enough to make them wonder and when they ask again...you will know that they are actually making an effort to be your friend outside of work. that's just my view on things...lol