Hey there Rancorous
What helps me develop a relationship with people at work is to ask _them_ about _their_ life. Then I shut up and listen. Some people really don't want to talk, but most do, and in a few weeks they loosen up. I hardly ever tell 'em _anything_ about me, I save that for my friends in recovery.
Next thing you know, I find one or two that are actually nice and eventually become friends. I was really surprised at how lonely most people are, and how much they enjoy having somebody who just _listens_.
Mike