DEAR HARRIETTE: I used to be making an attempt to ship a textual content message to my pal, and it inadvertently went to my boss.
There wasn’t something unhealthy in it, per se. However my language was a bit racy. I used a few curse phrases and incomplete sentences. It was the shorthand I exploit once I speak to my pals.
Anyway, I used to be embarrassed to study that my boss had acquired it, and he replied that I should have made a mistake in sending it to him. I instantly apologized and defined that I had written it to my pal, however one way or the other I now really feel like he seems to be at me a bit of in a different way.
At work I'm completely buttoned up and professional. He bought to see a extra relaxed facet, however I’m unsure if he likes that.
Is there something I ought to do to refresh his picture of me?
TMI
DEAR TMI: Even your boss has a personal life the place he in all probability lets his hair down. If something, it will be good management for him to indicate you that he understands your mistake and that your missent textual content to him was no massive deal.
It's essential to not make it greater than it's. So that you cursed — who cares? Life goes on.
Bear in mind who you're and the way you current at work. Be your skilled self, and go away this tiny mistake up to now.
When it comes to sending communications electronically, chances are you'll wish to step again a second and evaluation no matter you might have written earlier than you push ship sooner or later. If the flawed particular person intercepted it, would you or anybody else be harmed? Are you sending it to the correct particular person?
DEAR HARRIETTE: I simply noticed a pal of mine I had not seen since earlier than the pandemic besides on Zoom. He is a superb man, and now we have been skilled pals for many years.
After I noticed him, I used to be shocked. He has gained at the very least 50 kilos up to now three years. He has at all times been a trendy man, however not this time. He simply appeared unhealthy.
I’m going to imagine that he is aware of what’s occurring. He by no means struck me as somebody who doesn’t take note of these items.
Is it my place as his pal to ask in regards to the apparent? I’m frightened about him.
Do I Say One thing?
DEAR DO I SAY SOMETHING?: It's extremely unlikely that your pal doesn't understand he has gained some weight. For starters, he must be carrying greater garments. I don't advocate that you simply ask him about his weight.
What you are able to do is simply speak to him. Invite him out for espresso. Inform him what’s been occurring in your world through the previous three years, and ask him about himself. Let him divulge heart's contents to you.
The truth is, you can not change his course. He has to do this himself.
When you have a latest private story of battle or transformation, chances are you'll wish to share that with him in a pure means in order that he can see what you might have been going via. In any other case, you will need to wait till he brings it up.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founding father of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to assist folks entry and activate their goals. You possibly can ship inquiries to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.