Dear Queenie,
My work provides me with a secure income, minimal stress so I have no reason to complain. The fact that I work with 4 female colleagues should be the cherry on the cake, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case.
As we share one office space together, every day I am subjected to numerous stories ranging from dirty Pampers, no sleep at night, rebellious teenagers, booger competitions, etc., etc. One of the colleagues shares the same story every day.
Their partners are also included in this mind-numbing melee. They either work too many long hours, are never home, or once they are at home are only playing video games, etc. Bottom line: their partners never measure up.
In a couple of years, I will finally start enjoying my well-deserved retirement.
Queenie, how can I prevent them from engaging in this painful routine every day?—About to slit my wrists
Dear About to slit my wrists,
You poor fellow! I know exactly how you feel, having had considerable experience as the only (or almost only) woman in an office-full of men, where I was subjected to interminable conversation about sports, sports, sports, politics, porn and, oh yes!, complaints about wives/partners who “did not understand them” and/or always were “too tired” or “had a headache.”
Count your blessings: you have a stress-free job and a secure income, and are about to retire.
Do not let your colleagues spoil your last “golden years” in your pursuit of their mute button. You will not be able to change them, so instead change your own attitude. Each morning, ask them about their children and partners. This might lead to each of them being less of a chatterbox. No guarantees, of course, so you had better get used to it until your retirement!
