[Mari]

Hi,
I called Work Buddy and told him to make time for me tonight (Tuesday).
I knew (1) Work Buddy had stuff on his mind and (2) I really needed him to talk me down from what was bothering me so I called him and told him exactly what I needed from him. I got to complain. He asked questions, listened, reminded me of our successes, . . .essentially told me it would work out and that the two of us would be fine.
I agreed with him about the stuff that was on his mind.


A few days ago (Monday) I complained specifically about having to deal with his emails on Sunday when I am focused on preparing for classes on Monday. On the phone (Tuesday) I half apologized by saying I didn't mean it: "I take it back." He said, "I appreciate that."
He explained that Sunday sometimes is the best time for him to write. I understand that. He said I do not have to answer/ hit reply, . . . .and can answer another day, and so on. We did not really work out anything about Sunday emailing but I felt better for having talked to him about it.


We do a lot of work together. We also have to touch base and kind of evaluate how we work together. I do not remember being able to talk about work process with anyone before.

M

[Lara]

Well done.

Mari, it sounds as if you and your work buddy are doing very well indeed.

It's like a breath of fresh air. You sound as if you're a great team.

[bizi]

You do work well together. You erer very direct in what you needed from him and got some things off your chest. this is so great to hear.
thanks for sharing.
bizi

[waves]

Dear Mari

Originally Posted by Mari

We do a lot of work together. We also have to touch base and kind of evaluate how we work together. I do not remember being able to talk about work process with anyone before.

well done!

doing this kind of thing can be hard enough in social situations. in professional situations it is harder. in professional situations with a frienship component... it can be harder still. that sounded like a really positive exchange. you two have a better understanding now of where you each stand and how you each feel about certain things. this can only improve the way you interact - both in a professional and personal sense.

if you continue to have more exchanges of this kind, as needed, i believe it will get easier for you. after one is used it it, it feels very natural and safe.



~ waves ~