about

My name is Laura and I'm happy to help out with questions if you're asking about a subject I happen to be familiar with. I work at an agency that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, so I'm able to answer questions about those kinds of situations. However, I'll often simply refer people to an agency like the one I work for in their area*, it's usually the best advice I can give. I can also answer most questions about positive dating and sexual relationships, including safe sex. I'm a big fan of the political system so I can answer general questions about that as well, although I won't do your homework for you. My other interests include houseplants, hermit crabs and kiwi fruit. Ask away!


*If I tell you to seek help from a domestic violence or sexual assault agency in your area and you're not sure where one is or where to find out, feel free to ask me. Just let me know what city and state (or country, if ouside the US) you live in and I'll give you full contact information for the agency closest to you that will provide the services you need. If you're concerned about privacy, I'm happy to send you the information without posting it on my column, just let me know if that's what you want.


National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233


National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE

advice

How in the world do I get my co-worker to stop interrupting? She expects you to respond the split second she yells from her office. If you don't respond she marches out and starts talking to me even if I'm on the phone or having another conversation. Just some sarcastic help on shutting her down would help :)

The best way to deal with the situation would be to refuse to let her interrupt you. When she strolls into the office when you're on the phone, simply say "you’ll have to excuse me, I'm on the phone, I'll come find you as soon as I'm done" and return to your phone call. Completely ignore anything she says and eventually she'll have to stop. She only does this because she knows you'll listen to her. If her behavior isn't accomplishing her goals she'll tone it down.

The fun way to deal with the situation, since that seems to be more what your asking would be to set up a few situations in which you know she's headed to your office. Pick up the phone and pretend to be speaking to a relative, begin asking about some horribly revolting medical problem of theirs in detail (e.g.: Oh Aunt Bertha, is the boil really that much bigger? Is it still oozing?) If she doesn't want to hear it she'll leave. Repeat as necessary.

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