Dear Co-Worker,
Workplace relationships are fragile and sometimes awkward. I spend more time with you than my best friend, and ironically we’re not that close. There are some issues that annoy me, but I often feel shy to comment, like microwaving your fish plate, not having deodorant on, talking loudly on the phone, or just NEVER PAYING ME BACK FOR LUNCH!
Food is literally my only motivation at work, so thinking of what I’ll order is my inspiration! But that doesn’t mean paying for someone else’s lunch and just never getting paid back; I’m not your shawerma daddy, sweetie. It makes me wonder if you even realize that it’s occurring? I know that maintaining a relationship while dealing with financial matters is sometimes hard, because at the end of the day I don’t wanna be called cheap. The problem is that sometimes it can snowball to a point where buying you lunch becomes an expectation not a favor.
So, here’s what I plan on doing, I’ll try to initiate a mutual relationship with you by saying “I’ll pay for lunch today, but tomorrow is on you.” I won’t try getting money back for previous times, I’ll learn from your mistake and be clearer, starting now. Of course, you might not get the hint, which is unfortunately when I’m going to decide to have that awkward conversation with you. For God’s sake, please make it easy on me. We both get salaries and have duties, whether you’re married, live alone, it’s my money and I shouldn’t be forcefully spending it on you simply because I’m shy. So, I’m gonna work on myself, and avoid being put in this situation by speaking up and being less passive. Again, I’m not being cheap! I hope you understand, and if you don’t, I frankly don’t care anymore.
Best Regards,
Your shy colleague.
