DEAR ABBY: Several weeks ago at work, while on our coffee break, "Sarah" mentioned to me and three other women that her nephew had published a book of poems in some kind of fancy script writing. The nephew was asking $15 for the book. Sarah said she knew we could all afford it. I told her I just wasn't interested in poetry and knew it would end up cluttering my home.
Later, Sarah came by my desk and loudly informed me that when I didn't purchase the book, the other three women also turned it down. She said that because we were such good friends, I should have purchased it "just to be nice," and she would have done as much for me. Now she's no longer speaking to me.
Was I obligated to buy the book, even though I didn't want it? What are your thoughts on this, Abby? -- POETIC JUSTICE, PLEASE
DEAR POETIC JUSTICE: Sarah was taking advantage of all of you. You were under no obligation to purchase the book, and neither were your co-workers. Many employers have policies against interoffice soliciting to protect employees from such awkward situations.