Category Archives: Ask Colette Advice

Dear Colette,     A co-worker in my office is extremely opinionated and feels it necessary to comment on every little thing. This can run the gamut of what someone is wearing, what I’m wearing, the proper way to fill out a form, why we shouldn’t have our annual holiday party, and the best way to…

Dear Colette,     This year I am hosting the holiday meal, and my Grandfather will be joining us. Here’s my concern. He is extremely rude and makes caustic remarks. For example, one year he turned to my Grandmother and said, “Hey old lady, get this recipe. I like it.” Another time he called my youngest…

Dear Colette,     When I get home from work I love to debrief with my husband. However, when I try to show an interest in his day, all I get back is one word answers. What can I do to get him to open up more?Left Out in Louisville Dear Left Out in Louisville,    …

Dear Colette,     With summer coming up, I’d really like to work half days on Fridays, not only to beat the wicked traffic home, but to spend more time getting away for the weekend with my family. We love to camp, and getting an early start would help. How should I approach my supervisor?Friday Freedom…

Dear Colette,     How do you handle someone that brings all of their life problems or drama into the work place, as well as someone who is always complaining about their work? I hear her talk about it all day long and she constantly brings me into the conversation. I come home exhausted, not from…

Dear Colette,     Last year my company hired someone to deliver a mentoring workshop, and at the end we were all assigned a mentor. I got stuck with this guy who barely communicates, isn’t interested in helping me, and we haven’t even gotten together in months. Every time I pass him in the hall, I…

Dear Colette,     I just found out I’m pregnant with my first child and couldn’t be happier. However, I know my boss is going to react poorly to my taking maternity leave, and I’m wondering what to say when I tell him. I plan to return to work full-time after my leave is up, but…

Dear Colette,     I recently heard a co-worker talking about his daughter’s cookie sale. I joined the conversation and asked about details, and he told me where the sign-up sheet was. About 5 minutes later, my co-worker approached me at my cube with the sign up sheet and brochure. I was so caught off-guard that…

Dear Colette,     I have a co-worker who in the past I’ve had some issues with, and her cubicle backs directly up to mine. The problem is, there is a constant stream of people visiting all day long. The chatter is very distracting. I’m not sure how to get it to stop or have her…