I acknowledged his concern by saying that of course I would wear a mask.
I decided not to engage in personal conversations at work anymore and now that seems to be a problem for her.
I haven’t been mean about it; I simply choose not to engage in private conversations with her anymore.
What I do outside of work is really nobody else’s business. I am a very safe traveler, practice good hygiene, and have not been sick since the start of the pandemic.
This particular coworker smokes and drinks excessively on her days off, but I have never judged her or told her about her chances of getting cancer because of her habits.
Do you have any words of wisdom for those of us who are still working in an office to manage the various personal attitudes and responsibilities towards each other during this time?
Do not judge me: If you don’t want to be harshly judged, don’t be reactive and critical yourself.
Your colleague’s smoking and drinking habits at home don’t affect your health – and you know it.
Your trip could (in theory) impact his own – and that of others – and you know that too.
My advice to people sharing an office space is to comply with local, state, and company guidelines.
My advice to people who are wondering how to behave towards others who are at risk, nervous, anxious – or downright neurotic of contracting a covid – is that people who are in better physical and mental health should adapt their behavior to the highest level. vulnerable.
It’s not fun and sometimes (as in your case) you can feel manipulated, disrespected, or hurt.
Your colleague’s mask request was reasonable. Your defensive response was ridiculous, as was his! Finally, common ground.
Dear Amy: My husband and I have gone through a lot of ups and downs over the years. Although we have a one-year-old together, we have discussed divorce more than once, but we are hanging on.
Either way, at the end of the day, every woman wants to hear her husband say, “Baby, if I were to marry you again, I would in the blink of an eye.” But I know he really doesn’t feel that way. And because of that, I feel less secure. Should I be worried?
Confused: If you had to start over, would you marry your husband in the blink of an eye? Some days yes, others probably not.
The first few years of family life with a baby can be extremely stressful. I think you should decide to put your question aside. Put it aside.
I can’t tell you if you need to worry about the future of your marriage, but I can say with certainty that “staying in there” is something to celebrate.
Dear Amy: I want to give your readers a different perspective on the harshness of the holiday season.
I am married to a policeman. We have no children. Many years, I am alone at Christmas or I attend family events alone because he works or sleeps to prepare for his shift.
And you know what? It’s okay! I plan to watch movies, light candles, and buy some food that I love to indulge in.
Several years ago my mother was in the hospital over Christmas and these doctors, nurses and support staff were there as well.
Firefighters, hotel workers and road crews also cannot celebrate with their families.
For us, this is not the “new normal”, it is just normal.
I hope next year will be normal for those of you going through this “new normal”, but remember next year that your normal is not everyone’s reality.
Normal different: Thank you! You offered your important point of view at the perfect time. None of us should ever forget the lessons we have learned this year. My gratitude goes – way, out – to all those who work so hard to give the rest of us a “normal”.
2021 by Amy Dickinson distributed by Tribune Content Agency
