Nene King
TAKE A BREAK, EVEN IF OTHERS PRESSURE YOU NOT TO, SAYS NENE
ON THE RUN
QAt my new job, everyone works through lunch, but I’m used to going for a run every day during that hour – otherwise, I just don’t fit any exercise into my working week. Do I need to ask to take a lunch break and see if anyone has an issue with it? Annie, via email.
AYou do not need permission to take a lunch break, and how you spend it is your business. Exercise is an excellent way to clear the mind, and it’s not a good idea to be tied to the computer all day. So go about your business. If anyone has an issue with your run, simply reply: ‘Everyone is different.’ Or, if you want to be smart, point out that the law decrees employees must have a lunch break.
MR ROMANTIC
QI’ve been married for 16 years and my husband has stopped celebrating our wedding anniversary. He never forgets – he always says ‘happy anniversary’ – but apart from that, he doesn’t want to do anything else. I don’t want presents, but I think he should make more of an effort. Should I tell him to organise something special for us, or just do it myself and hope he gets the hint? Marg, Albany, WA.
AI can hear far too many women saying: ‘At least he remembers your wedding anniversary.’ You could suggest your husband organises something special – if the response is negative, you could do it yourself... but that’s hardly romantic! After 16 years, if this is all you have to complain about, you are lucky – you have a strong marriage and every day should be special.
BAD BREATHER
QOne of my friends always has horrible breath and she always gets a little close when she talks. She is a wonderful person and I don’t want to offend her – so how do I give her a gentle hint to do something about it? Wendy, via email.
AI would be mortified if I had bad breath and nobody told me. She is your friend – get over worrying about offending her and forget the gentle hint. You don’t have to be brutal, just honest. Apart from the offensive smell permeating from her mouth, she may need a quick chat with a doctor. Bad breath can be a sign of a medical problem.