HELP! Not sure what to do
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HELP! Not sure what to do
| Tue, 12-23-2003 - 8:10am |
OK...today is the last day I see MM before the long holiday season begins. I bought him a Christmas gift and I've been putting off giving it to him -- was going to do it today. But I found out last night his daughter is probably coming to work with him. I know I can't hand it to him with her there. (Can you imagine later, in front of her mom -- "Daddy, why did that pretty lady you work with give you a present?") But something else also came up. We were talking about a woman he doesn't like who gave him a gift last year. We asked if she gave him one this year and he said, "No, but I had a gift for her ready just in case." I don't want a gift he bought for me "just in case." I'd rather him not give me anything at all than do that. (Or, even worse, give me the gift he bought for freaky-woman!) So, here's the question. I could easily call him up later this morning and say, "I have a gift for you and want to give it to you. Could you come by my office or let me know of a time when you'll be alone so I can bring it to you?" But I don't want to put him on the spot or make him avoid me all day if he didn't buy me something. It is, after all, the last day I'll be able to see him. What should I do? I have no idea... They don't exactly include this stuff in the etiquette manuals! Should I just hold onto the gift and give it to him for his birthday or something??? That's six months away...an awfully long time to hide it in my desk! I'm thinking I'll call him around our usual time and ask if he's alone (and if he thinks he'll be for a few minutes). Then I'll take it up to him and tell him to hide it and open it later. We also have to worry about all his co-workers seeing the gift and wondering why I'm giving it to him.

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just keep it casual and light, nothing dramatic and if MM says he didn't get anything for you or he has something for you, just say "i really don't expect a gift from you. just wanted you to have this gift." and then take the situation back to business.
don't get upset if MM comes back to you with a gift (that would be suspiciously like the ready gift MM had for psycho-woman), but just take it and thank MM nicely. you should never look a gift horse in the mouth, so be nice and accept the gift. no arguments or hurt feelings at christmastime!!
good luck,
gurl
i would hold onto the gift until he returns, unless he makes an effort to see you and actually has a gift for you. but i would stop by his office and wish him a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. you can do that in front of his daughter, just as a courtesy since MM is not going to be around for the rest of the holiday.
don't put yourself "out there" -- by that i mean, don't put yourself in a position to be hurt or disrespected by MM.
gurl
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