This guy Ric - who addressed his coworkers as wives gave me a real life story.
Once when he, his wife and another couple (the lady in question used to work with him) had gone for dinner. and right before dinner, when they were looking at menu, the work wife started recommending what he should have. Then she reminded him of his meds that he needs to take before his meals.
No his marriage did not break, nor did hers. But he was saying that they worked together so much and travelled together too to the point, she knew him well. Also reminded him of his meds out of habit in front of his wife. 🤣
Since then he refers to all his lady co-workers who work closely with him as wives.