Sharing work space with a coworker and striving to be productive while also avoiding grating on each other's nerves can be wearisome. Coping well demands self-awareness and practicing common courtesies. Four rules for working in close quarters can help. 1) Accept that conflicts will naturally arise periodically. This will help prevent your overreaction to them. 2) Conflicts are opportunities to know your coworker better and become closer when they are resolved. 3) Minimize frequency of conflict by not allowing irritations to compound. Discuss the small stuff. 4) Maintain good hygiene, orderliness, and boundaries. Remember to keep the lines of communication open to ensure the "little things" do not become issues between you and the person you share a space with.