Annie’s Mailbox: Co-workers singing is distracting
Q. I work in an area where we are allowed to listen to the radio during work hours. This is great, as I enjoy the music. The problem is, one of our co-workers feels the need to loudly sing along to the songs. It is extremely annoying and also distracting.
I am hoping this letter will be an eye-opener to all of those people who act like they are auditioning for a talent show at work. This is not the place. Even my earplugs can’t drown out her voice. Any suggestions? – Not Taylor Swift
A. Have you spoken to your co-worker about not singing? Or at least singing more quietly? You don’t need to disparage her talent. Simply say that you find the singing rather distracting and could she please tone it down so you can concentrate on your work. Be nice. Be friendly. You’d be surprised how cooperative people can be when you approach them kindly. You also can ask your supervisor to speak to this co-worker.
Dear Annie: For the last 25 years, my brother’s wife, “Ruby,” has been stealing my pain pills and whatever else she thinks she needs or can sell to her friends. At first, I was unaware of this. I thought I was miscounting my pills or dropping them on the floor. But one day, I picked up a new pill bottle and noticed that half of them were missing. I had just come home from knee surgery and needed that medication.
After that incident, I developed more devious and secure ways to protect my medications. Someone used a pry bar on two small bathroom safes and again stole the pills. Worse, she replaced a few with identical-looking pills that I didn’t notice right away. I had a terrible reaction. I finally bought a small safe that connects to the wall. Then my mother’s jewelry started disappearing. So we put all of the house valuables in the safe. This worked well until Ruby lifted the spare key from my sister’s purse.
I know that Ruby will never admit that she’s the thief. She thinks this is a victimless crime. But if I don’t get my pain meds, I can barely get out of bed in the morning and my whole day is shot. – Need My Prescriptions
Dear Need: If someone is stealing, but you cannot prove it, your best recourse is to lock up your valuables where no one has access but you.