Zoom Gaffe Causes Worry At Work
DEAR HARRIETTE: While I was in a Zoom meeting for work, I didn't realize I wasn't muted, and I shouted out how boring the meeting was and how I didn't give a crap about what we were talking about. The entire meeting went silent after I said it, and I immediately realized everyone had heard me. To make matters worse, my boss was at this meeting. I can't believe I made such a mistake, and now I'm fairly certain my job is on the line.
I tried to apologize and explain that I was frustrated and didn't mean to be disrespectful, but I could tell that the mood of the meeting had changed. My boss hasn't said anything to me about it yet, which somehow makes me even more nervous because I don't know what they're thinking. I have been replaying the moment in my head ever since, and I am embarrassed to show my face at work. I'm worried that my co-workers think I don't take my job seriously or respect the people I work with. I really enjoy my job and don't want one embarrassing mistake to ruin the reputation I have worked hard to build. Should I reach out to my boss again to apologize or would that just make the situation worse? -- Foot in Mouth
DEAR FOOT IN MOUTH: Go to your boss. Apologize once more for your comments during the meeting. Admit your general frustration that day. Acknowledge that you know your words were inappropriate. Ask if there's anything you can do to repair the damage. Commit to being your normal professional self. Remind your boss that you like your job a lot; you were simply having a bad day. Then do your job. Don't talk about the meeting. Keep looking forward.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My mother-in-law treats our adopted son differently than our biological son. She clearly favors our biological son as he is basically a carbon copy of my husband, from his looks to his personality. I can see it not only in how she interacts with our sons, but also when holidays or birthdays come and the presents that she buys my biological son are more expensive than the ones for my adopted son. I have tried not to make a big deal out of it because I don't want to create tension in our family, but my husband and I are both starting to notice how obvious the difference has become. I worry that as our boys get older, my adopted son will see that his grandmother treats him differently and wonder if she loves him less because he is adopted.
I want both of my children to feel equally loved and valued by their family, but I'm not sure how to address this without causing a major family conflict. How should I approach my mother-in-law about her favoritism and make sure my adopted son never feels like he is less of a member of our family? -- No Favorites
DEAR NO FAVORITES: Here's where an ultimatum may be necessary. If your mother-in-law is unwilling to at least attempt to love her grandchildren equally, you may want to cut her off. No visits, no holidays together and no sleepovers unless she makes the effort to love them both the same. This may jar her into reality. You and your husband will need to address her directly so she sees she cannot circumvent you.
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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 to askharriette@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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