How to Discourage a Well-Intentioned, but Pesky, Co-Worker
I feel bad about having to turn down the tastes and snacks, so, nothing personal, but can we just agree
that you don’t need to offer me anything?” Consider going out on light note: “If you’ve got something really tempting I might ask – but you can always say no!”
If there’s some specific reason that you’re willing to share — strict diet, counting calories, whatever — feel free to substitute that.
I know she’s only being kind, but I bring my own lunch every day, and mostly I just don’t want to eat the food she is offering me.
I’m assuming you’ve already made some decision about
that one “snack” in the communal fridge — the Workologist cannot actually respond fast enough to address dilemmas that directly involve perishables — but, yes, you should tell her to stop.
I explained that I’d brought my lunch that day, and maybe I’d eat it the next day.
Certainly when you’ve reached your current level of dissembling
and elaborate maneuvers, it’s time to give up on hoping she’ll “get the message.” The longer this goes on, the more awkward it gets.
While you don’t really owe her an explanation, sometimes adding even a vague reason helps soften things.
