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Q: My company sent a form for me to fill out and return. Because the return envelope had no postage, I ignored it. Six weeks later, I received a second notice. This time I sent the form back with a note: “You owe me 37 cents postage.” I was trying to make a point that [...]
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Q: My female boss gave me a pair of earrings as a gift. This morning, I took them out of the box, to wear for the first time, and I put the first earring in, and I felt something drop; it was the pearl which hung at the drop of the earring. Should I tell [...]
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Q: My office has just six people besides myself. Is it appropriate to invite only the four I’m “friendly” with to a Sunday barbecue, and not the two with whom I maintain an “all business” relationship? Or should I just suck it up and invite everyone? A: Just don’t diss the uninvited. When inviting a [...]
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Q: A coworker has body odor so intense that people joke about her behind her back. I like her and want to help. Is there a tactful way to broach the subject? A: Your sympathy is commendable, but it might not be a strong enough reason to risk humiliating, or even angering, your coworker. It [...]
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Q: The person who works in the cube next to mine listens to my conversations and often chimes in. How do I get her to mind her own business? A: The unavoidable problem of working in a cubicle: Those around you can hear every word. But there’s a difference between overhearing and eavesdropping, which is [...]
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Q: My boss interrupts me while I’m on the phone with clients. How do I get him to stop? A: Does he think you’re on a personal call? While that wouldn’t justify his behavior, it may indicate his motivation. Try this: Next time it happens, say to the caller, “I’m sorry, Mr. Smith, John just [...]
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Q: A friend invited me to a Tupperware party she’s hosting, but I don’t need any more containers. Should I go anyway? And must I buy something? A: While you might want to support your friend emotionally in her venture, you shouldn’t feel obligated to support her financially or even to attend the party at [...]
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Q: A coworker, Kristen, always whispers loudly to me during meetings. It not only keeps me from hearing what’s happening, but also makes me look immature and unprofessional. How can I get her to stop? A: Before the next meeting, politely say “Kristen, please don’t talk to me during the meeting. It’s very distracting, and [...]
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Q: A friend of mine recently interviewed someone for a job. I don’t think highly of the candidate. If I am called in as a reference, what should I say? A: If you’ve never worked with the job seeker, opt out by saying “I don’t know Sue professionally, so I don’t think I’d be much [...]
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Q: I buy my own milk for the coffee I drink at work and leave it in the office fridge. A couple of days later, I notice that the carton is empty – but I’ve only used it twice! What can I do to stop others from helping themselves? A: A splash here, a splash [...]
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The Gift of Good Manners
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