I keep wondering if there is another issue about your friend’s request that is worrying you. Is it possible that you love your job and don’t particularly want to share that private space with someone from your social circle? I don’t say this to criticise you. In fact, I would completely understand and empathise with you if this is part of the reason you’re feeling a bit torn.

Most of us adopt a persona at work that’s different to the person we are at home or with friends and there is something a bit awkward at the idea of those two worlds colliding. Perhaps the idea of your friend sharing your professional turf, seeing you act in a slightly different way to how she’s used to seeing you, might be making you feel conflicted. Your friend is someone you know extremely well and who has seen you in lots of situations that you don’t necessarily want to share with workmates. Even if I am wrong about this, it is worth you considering the impact of having a friend so close to you every day.

Honest Boss: “I’m reluctant to recommend my friend for a job at my company, but she’ll never forgive me if I don’t”