Now, this would be the perfect time for a swear word.

Kaylee ,'Jaynestown'


Natter 73: Chuck Norris only wishes he could Natter  

Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, butt kicking, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.


DavidS - Oct 02, 2014 11:20:42 am PDT #7493 of 30000
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."

I don't have a plausible explanation for coworkers as to where I have been for a month. Advice?

It's none of their damn business.

I say word it like this, "Thank you for your concern. I had some private health issues."

I would just lean on the private and hope that they are clueful enough to understand that's a Do Not Enter sign conversationally.


Jesse - Oct 02, 2014 11:22:34 am PDT #7494 of 30000
Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be.

Yeah, I feel like "medical leave" with a flat stare should be enough for anyone. "Yes, thank you, I'm feeling much better."


Theodosia - Oct 02, 2014 11:25:50 am PDT #7495 of 30000
'we all walk this earth feeling we are frauds. The trick is to be grateful and hope the caper doesn't end any time soon"

If it's a male coworker who is asking, just lower you voice and say, "you know, female troubles." I guarantee you they're not going to ask for more details.


Allyson - Oct 02, 2014 11:26:23 am PDT #7496 of 30000
Wait, is this real-world child support, where the money goes to buy food for the kids, or MRA fantasyland child support where the women just buy Ferraris and cocaine? -Jessica

You understand I work with a large contingency of Rain Mans...


Hil R. - Oct 02, 2014 11:28:10 am PDT #7497 of 30000
Sometimes I think I might just move up to Vermont, open a bookstore or a vegan restaurant. Adam Schlesinger, z''l

If they ask further questions, then just say, "I'd rather not discuss it."


Theodosia - Oct 02, 2014 11:29:44 am PDT #7498 of 30000
'we all walk this earth feeling we are frauds. The trick is to be grateful and hope the caper doesn't end any time soon"

Or "It was cleared with HR, who agree that it should be kept private."


Steph L. - Oct 02, 2014 11:32:41 am PDT #7499 of 30000
this mess was yours / now your mess is mine

You understand I work with a large contingency of Rain Mans...

Most Rain Man types will understand "I'd rather not discuss it. But I'm doing much better. Thanks for asking!"

And sometimes you have to say "I've said twice now that I'd rather not discuss it. Thank you for respecting that."


Allyson - Oct 02, 2014 11:35:23 am PDT #7500 of 30000
Wait, is this real-world child support, where the money goes to buy food for the kids, or MRA fantasyland child support where the women just buy Ferraris and cocaine? -Jessica

Thanks. If I'm correct in the predictability of my charges, they will forget and revert to self-involved chatter in 48 to 78 hours.


Toddson - Oct 02, 2014 11:37:49 am PDT #7501 of 30000
Friends don't let friends read "Atlas Shrugged"

Or you could peer over your glasses at them until their nerves fail and they scuttle back into their labs.


Jesse - Oct 02, 2014 11:38:21 am PDT #7502 of 30000
Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be.

I do think it's a special kind of busy-body who will insist on more of an answer -- not that they don't exist, but I feel like your scientists won't be those people?