Welcome to Ask Clare, our advice column. Have a question, dilemma, or quandary? Send it to Clare in an email or on her Facebook page.
—–
Clare,
I have a coworker who seems to always be trying to get other people in trouble. It had always annoyed me but recently she did it to me. Now I’m pissed! I have been saving emails from her in hopes that I can get her back. Is there a better path than being vindictive?
– Poison the water cooler
Poison the water cooler,
Office relationships are tough. Revenge may be your best play on this. You could also mention to her supervisor that you really feel she’s not a team player.
– Clare
—–
Clare,
A friend of mine gave me a $75 gift card to a local fine dining spot for my birthday. I thanked him for his generosity. My wife and I went there for restaurant week for a nice dinner, something I typically don’t splurge on. We enjoyed a pretty good meal and the gift card should have covered most of it. The server informed me that there was only $7.10 left on the card and (like I asked) he charged the rest to my credit card. Should I mention this to my friend? If so, how? I feel a bit awkward about it.
– Check please
Check please,
Boo! I think it is fair to mention this to your friend. It may have been a mistake with the card or a flub on his part. A simple and polite text is probably best. And don’t bring it up again if your message goes unanswered. Next time, check the balance before you rack up your tab.
– Clare
—–
Clare,
I had a thing for my boss then I had a fling with my boss. This was three weeks ago. He just got engaged to his girlfriend and invited everyone at our small office to their place to celebrate. I can’t fathom going to this party in the house where we hooked up. His fiancée is a nice girl. I feel pretty terrible about it and have been thinking about writing her anonymously. Should I resist that temptation? I would want to know.
– Other woman
Other woman,
Skipping the party is a good move. No need to talk to your boss about why. Think long and hard before you decide to reach out to this woman. It may do more harm than good – plus, you may find yourself out of a job.
– Clare
