Employee Questions Drinking At Work Functions
DEAR HARRIETTE: I just got a new job, and it's a lot of fun and even more responsibility than I previously had. My boss is cool and we often work long hours together, including going to tons of social functions. My boss doesn't drink, but I do. She says it's OK if I drink, but I realize it's a little tricky. The other day, we were out super late, and I got a bit tipsy. I didn't embarrass myself, but I'm sure she noticed. Where do you think I should draw the line when it comes to alcohol and work? -- To Drink or Not To Drink
DEAR TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK: Drinking alcohol on the job presents a slippery slope that often leads to major challenges. Why? Because the day will likely come when you drink too much and say or do something you regret. You know that saying "loose lips sink ships"? Well, drinking often triggers verbal diarrhea where a person just can't stop talking. Don't put yourself in that situation. Further, do your best to separate work from pleasure. When you are on the clock, remain of sober mind so that you can be alert and responsive for anything that may come your way. Party on your days off -- not with your boss.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I want to send my 14-year-old daughter to therapy because she has been acting up since her father and I got a divorce. My daughter, however, has been resisting going because she doesn't want to talk to a "stranger" about her problems. I have tried telling her that therapy can be helpful when it comes to being able to work through the big emotions that come with life. I understand that the divorce has been a major adjustment for her, and I want to make sure she has someone she can talk to about everything she is feeling. She has become more withdrawn at home and has also been getting into more arguments with me than she used to.
I have tried talking to her myself, but she often shuts down or tells me that she is fine when I can tell that something is bothering her. Her father thinks that we should give her more time to adjust and let her decide whether she wants to go to therapy, but I am worried that waiting could make things harder for her. How can I encourage her to go to therapy willingly, as I don't want to force her? -- Daughter Needs Help
DEAR DAUGHTER NEEDS HELP: See whether your daughter will go to a family therapy session with you. Tell her that you need help processing everything, including taking care of her. Ask her whether she would do you a huge favor by going to at least one session with you. Talk to your ex and encourage him to stay in constant contact with her. Without badgering her, you need to create an open line of communication for her safety. If therapy isn't in the cards for now, monitor her activities. Know where she is by connecting to her location. Get as close as you can without being too pushy.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions toaskharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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