A little office problem

Dear Amy: I share office space with a colleague. Our space is detached from the rest of the office.

My co-worker and I have very little in common, and by all indications she has no social life and shows signs of emotional instability (she has revealed to me that she is on antidepressants).

The problem is that she is constantly in my space, telling me her problems, making catty comments about co-workers and, worst of all, trying to arrange for us to spend time together socially outside of work.

This creates real stress for me, Amy. My focus at work is on the tasks at hand, and I really have no interest in spending time with her outside of work.

What is the best way to handle this situation without hurting my co-worker’s feelings and causing uproar within the cozy confines of our professional setting?

Frustrated at Work

Dear Frustrated: I gather you don’t have a door you can close. Because of that you’re going to have to create a virtual one.

The boundaries you lay down will have to be finely drawn and emphasized, probably repeatedly.

Practice saying things like: “Erin, I’m sorry, but I can’t talk now; can you give me some privacy?” and “I really don’t want to get together outside of work.” You need to be clear, consistent and pleasant in your response.

Colleagues such as yours are what make the world, the workplace (and shows like “The Office”) so challenging -- but also colorful.

If you can’t manage your workflow because of this distraction, involve management, but if there is anything endearing about your colleague, I suggest you locate and try to enjoy that trait.

::

Dear Amy: “Troubled Single” was upset because a married man kept hitting on her.

Here’s my suggestion for a splendid response. She should smile broadly and say, “I’d love to have a drink with you! Have your wife call me so she and I can arrange a good time!”

Golden Girl

Dear Golden: I like this!

Send questions to Amy Dickinson by e-mail to askamy@tribune.com.