Asking for a Friend

Q: I have a friend who is always late — whether it’s dinner, lunch, or even major events. How do I tell her this is unacceptable? Asking for a friend, Joy in Hempfield A: Consistently showing up late isn’t just annoying — it’s disrespectful of your time. The best approach...

Q: A coworker keeps showing up in flip flops — and I’m not sure what’s more unprofessional, the footwear or the fact that I have to see their toes while trying to get my work done. Flip flops just feel too casual (and kind of gross) for the workplace. Is...

Q: My one co-worker has seven cats and quite frankly, she’s not financially stable. A few weeks ago, she started a GoFundMe for one of her cats who needed surgery for bladder stones. Is it me or are these fundraisers for pets becoming more common (and annoying)? And while we’re...

Q: A colleague greeted me the other morning with, “You don’t look good today,” implying I looked sick or unwell. I was just tired — and frankly, I found the comment to be very rude. What could I have said in response that was both appropriate and, ideally, a bit...

Q: An out-of-town relative recently had a baby and I sent her a gift through Amazon. I know it was delivered because I received a confirmation email, with a photo of the package on their front porch. It’s been a few months and I have yet to receive a thank...

Q: I noticed that my co-worker, who sits in the cubicle next to mine, has been losing weight over the last few months. My guess is that she’s lost at least 20 lbs. Since it seems like everyone is on Ozempic, is it OK if I ask her if she’s...

The Trib is launching “Asking for a Friend,” a column that tackles life’s little conundrums before they snowball into full-blown crises. Whether you’re unsure about whether to text back or how to gracefully handle a house guest who won’t leave, we’ve got you covered with advice that’s both practical and,...