DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my co-workers is a horrible prankster. He describes himself as a jokester, and he’s honestly becoming a nuisance to the office. Possibly the worst part of his pranks is that they’re too small to be considered real pranks. For example, I’ll try to use my stapler, only to discover that the staples have been taken out. Then, I’ll hear him snickering. Once, he dropped four packets of sugar into someone’s morning coffee. The “pranks” aren’t funny; they just cause inconvenience around the workplace.

I’m afraid if I insult his “skills,” he’ll decide to take his pranking even further. Our boss laughs it off and says that this keeps the workplace lively, but I don’t see anything funny about having to discover that he’s taken all of the toilet paper from the bathroom and hidden it in a closet. How do I stop this? These mini-pranks are driving me nuts. – Not Clowning Around, Seattle

DEAR NOT CLOWNING AROUND: Since your boss is complicit in your co-worker’s shenanigans, you won’t get the support you want from him. The next best step is to ignore this man. When he does something that is annoying, don’t let him know that it bothers you. Do your best to act as if you don’t even notice this guy. Without an audience, a performer often loses his drive. You can even suggest the same to your fellow coworkers. If all of you refuse to make comments or otherwise allow him to incite you, he may calm down and stop using you as his targets.

If he gets worse, go to human resources and file a complaint. It may seem petty today, but his games may become counterproductive tomorrow.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: A close friend of mine moved in with me two months ago after losing her apartment due to the nonpayment of her roommate. It was great at first, because while I enjoy living alone, it can get kind of lonely every so often. However, I am now annoyed. Even though I have set boundaries around living in my house, my friend has repeatedly violated them, leaving dishes in the sink for days, not cleaning when it’s her turn and bringing guys back to the house when I’m not home.

Whenever I ask her about her apartment hunt, she says she’s been looking but it’s just taking longer than expected. I don’t want to kick her out, but I am starting to go crazy. How can I handle this without losing our friendship? – Not Big Enough for the Both of Us, Detroit

DEAR NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR THE BOTH OF US: Do not hesitate to invite your friend to leave. If you wait much longer, it might be difficult for you to get her out. You have every right to show her the door now. She has consistently broken your house rules, so she has to go. Give her a short window for a deadline, and make it clear that you will not be extending her stay. If the day comes and she has not packed up to go, you can change the locks and forward her belongings when she gives you a forwarding address. Harsh? Yes. Fair? Yes!

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.