DEAR ABBY: The company I work for is located on an island, and we must commute by ferry. We can either walk on, take a bus, hitch a ride or drive our cars aboard, but the latter is quite expensive.
My problem: One of my co-workers constantly asks for a ride. She walks onto the ferry and wants to ride with me from the dock to work. She never brings her car, so she can't reciprocate by offering rides to those of us who accommodate her.
Abby, this woman talks nonstop, and I don't always feel sociable. I cherish my private time while I am commuting.
Is there a way I can tell this co-worker she's not welcome to ride with me without offending her? -- IRRITATED ON THE FERRY
DEAR IRRITATED: Probably not. People who are insensitive enough to continually mooch a ride usually become very sensitive when the intrusion is called to their attention. However, honesty with diplomacy is the best way to go. Explain to your co-worker that your commute to work is your "think tank time," and you concentrate more effectively when you are alone with no distractions. Then ask her to please understand and to forgive you for not sharing your car.