The Rules Blog and Podcast

Stephanie from Kirribilli writes:
It’s only mid-December and I’ve already been invited to a group function on 16 February. How do I politely decline an invitation for an event that is so far in advance? It would be very hard to say you are busy and I’d feel rude saying I’m not very keen to go… […]

[Read more →]

Karen asks:
Am I required to buy my boss a holiday gift? I think the boss should be buying me a gift, but others in the office want to throw in to buy the boss a gift. I say no way. I have never worked anywhere before where this was expected. My […]

[Read more →]

Karen from Bankstown writes:
My colleagues run from their office to the photocopier & back for NO REASON. I think it is ridiculous and they should all be fired for trying to look so busy and important. It is something that has annoyed me for years as there is nothing more distracting that hearing “Judy from […]

[Read more →]

Jonathan writes:

We have employee-only showers installed in our company toilets for people to use after using nearby running trails. A few days ago, I went to use the shower and found a large poo on the shower floor. Obviously, I did not use the shower.
Since no one has owned up to the offending poo, should […]

[Read more →]

Jonathan writes:
Why is it that people assume that it is okay to hold another person’s baby? I know they’re cute and all, but excuse me, that is my baby!
One month ago yesterday, my wife and I had our second child. Since then, some visitors (friends, relative, and the like) found an uncontrollable urge to pick […]

[Read more →]

Jonathan writes: The other day I walked past a colleague’s desk and noticed he was surfing porn sites — at the office! Apart from our firm’s technology use policy, this is unacceptable behaviour. Shouldn’t he leave the porn-surfing at home?
Miss Rhylla says: I suggest getting the IT guys to rig up some software enabling the […]

[Read more →]

Lauren writes:
I am an American by birth, I am both well-travelled and have an intense affection for the English language. Thus, I speak with an exactness that tends to put some people off. I do not wish to alter my speech patterns to the current sloppy American vernacular. How do I best handle rude […]

[Read more →]

Jake of Just Not Right asks:
If I send a text message to you, is it rude for you to immediately phone me back instead of responding with a text? I am of the opinion that communication should be kept intact unless otherwise noted. For example, I do not phone somebody in response to an email. […]

[Read more →]

Lauren writes:
I realise that it is considered bad form to point out the rudeness and/or incompetence of others, however, rude behaviour and general incompetence is ubiquitous in America, specifically in L.A. In your view, when, if ever, is it appropriate to tell someone that their behaviour is adversely affecting me?
Steven says:
I try to live by […]

[Read more →]

“P” writes:
From the stench wafting around the cubicles, I’d wager someone’s brought a kipper in for lunch.
To my mind this is grossly inappropriate. I like fish, but I wouldn’t subject my co-workers to such a pungent piscatorial platter.
It’s the second time in as many weeks, and I’m concerned this may become a habit. Honestly, it […]

[Read more →]