ArcaMax

Do you have any ideas on how I can get rid of this annoying boss in a diplomatic manner? By the way, there is no lunchroom. I have to eat at my desk and answer phones.

-- Disgruntled Employee

Dear Disgruntled: You don't need to try to describe the degree to which this bothers you, because I think anyone reading this would completely empathize. I know I do.

You can't tell off your boss. You can't look up from your desk and say, "Hey, how about I come into your office and narrate YOUR lunch?"

However, I do think you could use silence -- and body language -- to get your point across.

Here's the scene:

You (eating a piece of peach pie you brought from home).

Boss: "Peach pie! You're going to have to double down on your workout to work off those calories."

You: (Look up blankly): "Do you need anything? I can bring you the Miller report when it's ready."

A week of looking at your boss blankly and responding by asking an unrelated question might train her away from the commentary.

Dear Amy: I'd like to recommend that people planning destination weddings ease the financial burden on their guests by saying, "We would prefer your presence to your presents. Please, no gifts."

-- Outside the Box

Dear Outside: This is clever. But even without the cost of a wedding gift, many guests find destination weddings unaffordable.

(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)