×

What should be done about the office affair?

Dear Annie: My co-worker, “Jane,” is the front-desk person and has a bird’s-eye view to everything. For the past several years she has noticed that it appears that my supervisor is having an affair with another co-worker. I, too, have noticed what appear to be signs of an affair. Although I do not approve (if this is the case), I am able to work without it disturbing me. Recently, it has started to affect my co-worker so much that she is now saying that this a hostile work environment.

My question is this, should I mention something to my supervisor before my co-worker takes it to HR? She has threatened to do this, but she is the type who is normally all talk no action.

I feel uncomfortable saying something to my supervisor, but if it got as far as HR then I would feel disloyal for not having given him a warning. I don’t know how to handle this sensitive situation. — Awkwardness at the Office

Dear Awkwardness: First, stop chatting with Jane about the alleged affair. Speculation without action amounts to gossip, and nothing good can come of it. The next time she tries to talk to you about it, tell her you’re uncomfortable discussing it, and change the subject.

Of course, she’s free to go to HR about the issue. And if it’s impacting her ability to do her job, then she definitely should. Do not intercede: What would the endgame be in telling your boss? It would make Jane vulnerable to preemptive attacks, and it would insulate your boss from the consequences of his own bad decisions. If he is having an inappropriate affair, that’s a bad bet he chose to wager. Let the chips fall where they may; the stakes aren’t yours.

Dear Annie: Thank you very much for the advice you give people, especially about attending various support groups. I want to suggest another group that you might recommend as a resource: Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families.

ACA has helped me tremendously.

I was abused as a child and learned dysfunctional behavior because of that.

I started doing drugs and drinking alcohol when I was just 8 years old. My alcohol and drug use eventually led to my selling drugs and committing other criminal acts. I spent about nine years in prison, off and on from ages 26 to 50. I got clean in one of my prison terms, and when I got out I had five years of sobriety under my belt. I ended up relapsing twice because of all the childhood trauma. I brought that learned behavior from childhood into my adult actions and relationships.

I have now been in ACA for two years and out of prison for two and a half years. I will have been clean for 10 years this month.

I would love for you to look into this program and promote it if you think it would be helpful. If you would like to print my story of hope for others I would be honored. — Story of Hope in Reading, PA

Dear Story of Hope: Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families looks like a wonderful organization and I’ll be happy to recommend it as a resource in the future. Anyone interested in learning more about this Twelve-Step program can visit https://adultchildren.org.

Thank you very much for writing.

— — —

“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today