DEAR ABBY: I'm an animal lover. I have always kept many different kinds of pets. My mother taught me to love and respect all animals, and I have had snakes, turtles, birds and other exotics as well as dogs, cats and rabbits. When I see a dead animal in the road, it makes me so sad I often cry, and the thought of anyone hurting or killing one for fun makes me sick to my stomach.
My problem is a co-worker who sits behind me. He's a hunter who often talks about killing animals, especially snakes and turtles. It is impossible to tune him out, and I'm afraid to ask him to stop. Moving desks is not an option. I often escape to the bathroom when he starts up, but there has to be a better way. I can't be seen crying at my desk when he talks like this because it's unprofessional. -- SNAKE LOVER
DEAR SNAKE LOVER: Your co-worker isn't a mind reader. Dig deep and find the courage to tell him that when he brings up the subject of killing animals, it upsets you and ask him to please stop. If he doesn't, bring it to the attention of your supervisor or HR because it could be considered a form of harassment if it interferes with you doing your job.