Tips On Getting Ahead At Work With Co-Workers

Career Advice on Politely Dealing with Annoying Coworker Habits

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I work next to a woman who, while she is a nice person, has some habits that are extremely annoying to be in close proximity to. She eats fish at her desk all the time, which is absolutely disgusting, and then burns the smell off with a scented candle. I'm allergic to perfumes and so my eyes start watering like crazy. And then she's constantly on the phone with family members and friends, yakking away and being totally distracting. 

What can I do? I don't want to come off as petty, since we are in a room full of cubicles and no one else has complained.

Sincerely,

Cubicle Carl

A:

Dear Cubicle Carl,

There are solutions to all these problems, depending on how dense your coworker is.

Problem: Your neighbor talks too much and too loudly for you. Or uses foul language. 

Solution: Level one solution is to ask before you're annoyed, "Can you please keep the phone conversations down? I can hear everything." Level two solution is to get iPod earphones and play music or white noise for yourself so you don't have to hear the noise. Level three solution is ask to be moved to a cubicle in a quieter part of the office. 

Problem: Your neighbor eats really smelly foods at his or her cubicle . 

Solution: Level one solution is to ask your neighbor before you're annoyed, "That food looks amazing, but the smell is getting to me -- can you eat it in the company kitchen or outside?" Level two solution is burn a scented candle at your desk. Level three solution is to conspicuously spray air freshener loudly and actively whenever your neighbor eats. 

Problem: Your neighbor burns scented candles or incense at his or her desk and it makes you sick. 

Solution: Level one solution: Ask your neighbor not to burn the candles or incense because you're allergic. Level two solution: Break into coughing fits when you smell the candle going. Use your drama skills. Level three solution: Call 911 and report a fire at your neighbor's cubicle. 


 

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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