ASK POLLY

Get advice from fast-talking Rova and More FM star Polly Gillespie

Q My teenage daughter is having trouble with her social life at school. She doesn’t feel like she belongs in any group and I am considering moving her to another school. What do you think?

Worried, Auckland

A I think that’s a damn fine idea. I know there is the School of Hard Knocks that believes we get tougher when facing tough times at school, but personally, I don’t believe children (teens especially) should be made to endure social isolation no matter what. My parents sent me to my zoned high school, which was single sex. I hated it. I felt very lonely as my best friend from middle school had gone back to England and none of my friends were at the same school. I was so unhappy. My parents took me to a child psychologist who suggested I go to a co-ed school. I did and I loved it. Some schools are great for some kids. Some kids will excel at some schools, while others do not. If they are socially isolated, then look around.

Q I work in an open-plan office with lots of different “departments” in close proximity to each other. When someone from another department wants a “private” phone conversation away from their colleagues, they tend to walk closer to where we sit. It’s infuriating. Do we just endure it or is it worth telling them to zip it?

Phoned Out, Wellington

A Oh, sweet mother of all offices! I loathe the whole open-plan/hot-desk 2018 work environment. It’s like open-plan classes with 200 students and three teachers – absolute misery and hell for someone like me. I believe private conversations should be held in corridors or booths. I simply think the people doing the wandering over are just completely unaware of how annoying they are being in an already hideous work space. Try saying something assertively but not aggressively or passiveaggressively. I guarantee this architectural open-plan concept will die in the next 10 years.