Sharing equipment can work well when both people understand the arrangement. Ask before joining, explain what you need, and respect a refusal. Consider whether the setup changes are practical. If every set requires major adjustments or creates confusion around safety equipment, using another station may be better than forcing an arrangement that disrupts both workouts.
Agree on the order and who will change plates or settings. Keep your own training notes clear so another person's working load does not accidentally become yours. Check the equipment again after adjustments. A shared station still requires individual attention to setup and appropriate resistance; familiarity with the other lifter does not remove those responsibilities.
Use the time between turns for the recovery your plan requires. Do not rush simply because the other person finishes quickly, and do not leave them guessing while you disappear into a long conversation. Clear communication helps preserve both routines. If spotting is involved, discuss that task separately and make sure each person understands the procedure.
Finish by returning equipment and leaving the area organized. A useful sharing arrangement should make a busy gym easier to navigate, not turn the session into a competition or negotiation over every set. You can be considerate and still protect the purpose of your own workout. The key is a practical agreement that both people can follow.