Fraternization is inevitable whenever you are in contact with a brother,real or symbolic. I assume that "brother" would also imply and include "sister".

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA

I had to look this one up only because that word "fraternity" gives me the   heebeegeebees. (To associate with others in a friendly or brotherly way, or to associate with the enemy, often in violation of military law) Sounds like a fairly broad concept. I guess if the feelings are genuine and heartfelt, not based on alcohol or abusing women, or a "primal" need for beating ones chest etc... I have to say the word still turns my stomach.

Tina, 31
Medford, MA

I'm taking fraternization to mean hanging out and sociallizing with those on a different authority level than yourself (I.e. a boss or a supervisee). It seems fine to me to drink, go out to dinner or other social events with such folks. As long as you don't make a fool of yourself. As for more intimate situations, seems not to be a healthy thing for all involved, although I have never personally had to deal with that situation. And of course in a work environment you always have to be aware if a personal friendship with someone outside your "rank" could possibly be viewed as favoritism or cause problems for others.

Felicia, 34
Somerville, MA

Karen, 20
Marshelltown/Ames, IA

What do you mean by fraternization? I would assume it would not be okay if you are trading national secrets to the enemy.

Ernest, 29
Washington, DC

Fraternization: association or mingling as brothers or on fraternal terms -should be ok as long as you trust the other people and know they mean well.

I keep halting before sending off my answer... Why wouldn't fraternizationbe ok? But that's not the question, so I won't go into that; perhaps that should be posed to the group later.

Jesse, 24
Bowie, MD

When it is honest and comfortable for all involved. So, considering our monkey-nature, probably never.

Anthony, 25
Baton Rouge, LA

Well, the dictionary defines fraternize as: 1. to associate or mingle as brothers or on fraternal terms. 2a. to associate on close terms with members of a hostile group esp. when contrary to military orders b.to be friendly or amiable I think, in general, it's always good to be friendly and amiable,

Laura, 35
Lowell, MA

When It doesn't hurt anyone.

Socrates One
Lowell, MA

When is what O.K.? =)

Jeremy, 13
Highlands Ranch, CO

With the enemy? Never. With colleagues? Only if there isn't a direct report line between them.

Jane, 60
West Linn, OR

Wouldn't a better question be when is fraternizing NOT okay? I don't see anything wrong with it and I don't see why there should be. Unless I've been mislead as to the meaning of the word.

Shanna, 15
Cardiff ENGLAND

They are always good in my view. I am a Member of two of organizations now and I believe in what they stand for.

Paul, 30
Lowell, MA]

Coming from a teacher's standpoint, I'd definitely say it depends on the situation, but NEVER with students. That's completely unacceptable.

Amy, 23
New Orleans, LA

I don't understand the question, it seems too open-ended and imprecise. . . Uh, when isn't fraternization ok?. . I think it's great, important even, most of the time. . . .

mothmc, 35
Los Angeles, LA

Yesterday / Tomorrow