Message #70599

[rose.winter1980]

How well do you know/get on with this co-worker?  It seems to me that what you describe is indicative of something deeper.  You mention stress and complaining.  Now, we all, I am sure, know a few people who whinge.  Indeed, I would go so far as to say that some people appear not to be able to function without complaining.  They don't, I am sure, realize the effect that the drip-drip of complaints is uncomfortable and all we remember about them.  There is no need for you to suffer in silence. 

If your colleague is full of negativity then you would be doing her and yourself a great service if you could approach her about it.  You might say that you notice she is unhappy, yadda-yadda, and I'm sure she will open up to you.  She might also be angry, but a little medicine does no-one any harm from time to time.  There may be all sorts of reasons for this lady's negative behaviour, both domestic and work-related, and a combination of problems from both areas can be quite explosive.

With respect to smoking, some companies introduce incentives to stop smoking.  Stopping smoking brings so many health benefits and it means that staff don't have to take smoking breaks.