Woman irked by workplace fashion mimic
DEAR ABBY: At my job, one of my coworkers keeps coming to work dressed like me. You have no idea how insulting it is to come to work, ready to do my job, and find myself in this embarrassing situation.
To me, this is a form of harassment. It’s not my problem if she is unhappy with her self-image. I like myself; I mind my own business and do my work.
Also, I worked in fashion for years. If she wants my fashion expertise, she should pay me for it. Copying the way I dress is not a compliment. It’s identity theft. I do not appreciate her imitating me. Please help! — One of a Kind in Illinois
DEAR ONE OF A KIND: Have you never heard the saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”? It’s a principle the fashion industry is based upon.
Instead of being angry, why not help the woman by offering to assist her in making fashion choices of her own? I’m sure she’d welcome it, and it would lighten the atmosphere in your workplace.
DEAR ABBY: My mom was involved in a car accident a while back that required multiple surgeries and hospital stays.
The problem is that she doesn’t seem to have learned from it. She still texts and looks at her phone while driving. It has reached the point where I refuse to ride with her or allow her to drive my child.
I’ve asked her repeatedly to not use her phone while driving, but she seems to think she’s invincible. What should I do to make her understand she’s putting herself in danger , not to mention those who ride with her? — Concerned Daughter
DEAR CONCERNED: Because your mother didn’t learn after the accident, it’s time to accept that nothing you say will change her. Continue to refrain from riding with her or allowing your child to. And pray that she doesn’t kill herself or someone else.
DEAR ABBY: We enjoy the fresh air during the wintertime. One neighbor sits out back and smokes, and the other one smokes on his front porch, which makes it impossible to open our windows without smoke drifting in. I realize they have rights, but why can’t we enjoy our home too? — Fresh Air in Florida
DEAR FRESH AIR: I’d consult an air conditioning company. Some restaurants with smoking patios keep the smoke from annoying patrons by installing a fan above the entrance. The forced air blows straight down and serves as a barrier not only to smoke, but also to insects.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.