I Work in the Business of Helping People in Crisis. One Colleague Feels “No Sympathy” for Them.

Dear Good Job: One of my co-workers is adamant that he doesn't care about our mission.

He expresses more satisfaction in a personal sense of a job well done than any actual meaning provided to the lives of the people we help.

It's perfectly acceptable to just not like the guy, even if everyone has the same worthy goals.

It's good practice to notice and avoid gendered terms like catty, bitchy, or hysterical.

Expecting women specifically to notice your ring means you don't expect the same of male co-workers.

It can help your career if you treat everyone like people, and don’t expect or perform gendered behaviors.

This workplace will soon be in your past: you have to prioritize your future: the new job.

Have a few “good to hear from you, but I gotta go” lines ready and don’t feel guilty about using them, for the sake of your own time and hers.

If your friend gets offended or too needy, it’s possible this friendship won't last.