Unpleasant Task Bothers Upbeat Employee
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am in the creative industry and thoroughly enjoy my job! It offers new experiences and a chance to learn hands-on skills in a safe and supportive environment. The workplace is comfortable and fosters open communication without retaliation. I was given a task that I don't particularly like but that requires enthusiasm to complete. There are others in our organization who would fit the task better and have fun doing it. I feel like I would be of better use in another role; however, I want to be a reliable worker. Other than this, I am proficient in all my roles and consistently bring my A game to the office. I am in a place that people enjoy and would want to remain a welcoming presence to my colleagues. Should I continue to fake the funk or risk letting our lead manager down? -- Tough Task
DEAR TOUGH TASK: It sounds like your job is close to ideal. It is rare that an employee has no tasks that are undesirable. It is common that you would have at least one duty that isn't your favorite. What you can do is change your attitude. Tackle it with gusto. Figure out how to do it extremely well and as quickly as possible so that it doesn't become a source of anxiety for you.
You may also want to look around to see if anyone is struggling with a task that you find appealing. You could speak to your manager and offer to swap tasks, pointing out that you think each of you might be more efficient with the redistribution of duties.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently got married for the first time. I have two grown children, and I was ready to start anew. My partner was previously married; however, that relationship did not end well. His connection with his parents is also strained. Due to some of his life experiences, he enjoys spending lots of quality time with me. Personally, I prefer to be in my own space, especially after a long day at work. I understand his fear of abandonment comes from his family history, but it impacts how I operate. It is becoming harder to function when I don't get enough alone time. When I do try to set boundaries, it is often because I'm feeling overwhelmed, resulting in poor communication. How do I set these necessary boundaries without coming off as cold or insensitive? -- Personal Space
DEAR PERSONAL SPACE: Establish a weekly family meeting where you talk about whatever is going on in your lives and home. Talk about both positive and challenging things each week, thereby creating a natural moment when you can discuss whatever is going on.
In that safe space, tell your husband that you realize that the two of you are not always in rhythm. Point out that in order to feel at peace, you need to have private time each day. This is no diss of him. It is part of your process. Ask him to give you space to be by yourself for a while. Note, too, that you realize he cherishes togetherness, so you will make the effort to carve out that time for him as well. Yours is a new marriage. It takes time to get used to living with a new person. Be patient and work together. Try not to make ultimatums when you are angry.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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