[PenguinCoder]

Very much agreed. Those personal anecdotes and stories shouldn't have any affect on the workplace. But often you'll find subtle biases coming from the other party, after sharing stuff they may not like or agree with. It's fine for everyone to have their own opinion and certainly feelings on things. I don't want to share anything personal, or not work related at any work function/meeting. I don't want someone else's opinion on my personal life affecting their opinions of my work.