DEAR HARRIETTE: My co-worker got way too drunk on a night out with the boys this weekend. He is a new guy who just graduated from college, so we invited him to make some work friends. Apparently, college hasn’t left him. He drank all of us under the table.
We don’t want to invite him again. He doesn’t even remember his embarrassing behavior! We think some mentorship could be offered to him. How do we talk to him about keeping it professional even when we’re letting loose? – Always on the Job, Washington, D.C.
DEAR ALWAYS ON THE JOB: Pull your coworker aside and ask him if you can give him some feedback. With his permission, tell him highlights of his behavior when you went out drinking. Tell him that in a work situation, it is important to keep your drinking in check because everyone notices what you do, and getting drunk and out of control is not a positive reflection on an employee.
Be honest with this young man. Tell him you want to support him and mentor him if he will welcome that. Tell him that your other co-workers are reluctant to invite him out again because of the way he behaved in the past. Let him share his thoughts and feelings, and do your best to guide him to more responsible action. If you are willing, you really may be able to help him grow.
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DEAR HARRIETTE: I love leading a healthy lifestyle, although I firmly believe everyone needs an ice cream sundae indulgence once in a while. I was speaking to a friend about diets and favorite foods recently, and she told me she had stopped eating fruits because they have too much sugar. I was in total shock. Fruits and vegetables are the healthiest foods around! She is convinced fruits make her gain weight, and I don’t know how to handle this. – Fruits Are Friends, Los Angeles
DEAR FRUITS ARE FRIENDS: Fruits represent foods that are considered healthy and important to consume in a daily diet. That said, too much of anything can be problematic. Your friend is not wrong in saying that fruits, at least some of them, have high sugar content. You are right, though, that fruit is healthier than cakes and cookies.
Your friend should discuss her fruit intake with her doctor. A medical evaluation will let her know what she should or should not eat. As much as you want to be a support to your friend, you probably should stay out of it. Since you are not a doctor or a nutritionist, you are not able to speak with authority. You will probably end up in an argument.
You could do research for yourself on the pros and cons of consuming fruit. You can share your research with your friend, if you like, but mostly do the research for yourself.
— 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.
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