DEAR ABBY: I recently took two days off from work to stay home with a cold. When I returned to work, a co-worker started commenting on how I might be contagious. Then during our lunch break, she commented that she didn't want me to sit next to her "because she didn't want to get sick." I told her there were plenty of other seats if she preferred to sit elsewhere, and sarcastically thanked her for making me feel "welcomed."
She continues to bring it up and is now pushing everyone to use hand sanitizer and sanitize their work areas. I'm offended. I think it's rude. A couple of co-workers are now sick with similar symptoms. Is she being rude, or am I oversensitive? And how should I respond? -- OFFENDED IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR OFFENDED: Your co-worker isn't rude; she's a germaphobe and with good reason. If everyone was careful to use hand sanitizer and sanitize their workstations and shared surfaces -- door knobs, light switches, lunchroom equipment -- there would be fewer individuals taking sick days. In a case like this, you should stop being defensive. The best way to respond to the woman is not to respond at all.