I don't have a work spouse, but with my coworkers and assistants we have a helper and support network. When someone has a medical issue or surgery we will offer rides to medical appointments and cook meals, even if that worker has a spouse or partner at home, as respite care is helpful. Since I work in the evenings and my assistants work into the night we all make sure everyone has a safe ride home if the weather is questionable, and swap shifts accordingly. I have more students as assistants and they are often broke, busy, and not eating well so we frequently do a potluck or dinner so people are eating healthy and saving money, and those who aren't on shift have been welcomed with a tupperware or have leftovers in the fridge for the next day.
My Law School friends always joke about their Law School Spouse, usually another student they have a friendship with that is much more like a Work Spouse than the situation in my office. I've had similar experiences in courses with a lot of lab work or when I'm out doing field work.
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