Rejection Never Felt So Good

Times in life when one can be rejected:

• Receiving an F on a test or in a class entirely
• Being in the lane that just closed (bank, grocery store, toll plaza, etc.)
• Being fired
• Breaking up

So...internet dating. Another fun place to be rejected. I e-mailed someone interesting yesterday, and this morning I received this. You know, if everyone could take the time to (a) acknowledge and respond, and (b) use candor, this world might be a better place:

"I hope you are having a great week. Thank you for the email and interest in my profile, I'm very flattered. I feel like we have common interests, but I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I have met someone on match that I think may turn into a relationship and I'm the kind of guy that doesn't like to juggle women, I don't believe it is fair to anyone. With that being said I hope you understand if I don't continue to get to know you better until I'm certain of where this may lead. Maybe if things don't work out you will consider giving me another chance at getting to know you. I wish you the best of luck finding a match."

Fantastic. So much better than silence. (I kind of want to copy it to use in replying to people, myself!!)

Buncha Wusses

Please refer to my post of December 3, 2009 (Man Overboard) for a bit of background. I took the ball and ran with it. I met with both the Human Resources Manager as well as her boss, the Associate VP. I told them the basic situation: EVERYONE who comes to my desk scrunches up their face and goes, What The Hell IS That Smell??? I have headaches, and the situation needs to be addressed.
Both HR folks are hemming and hawing as I talk to them about how tricky the situation is, and how we can't force people not to smoke. Oh, really? Can we not force people to lighten up on the cologne? Can we not look them in the eye and tell them there is a legitimate concern regarding their health (the smoking) and the health of others (the slathering of cologne to cover up the smoking)? No, these HR people apparently can't. Because they're wusses.
I've been in the business world since I was 16...I worked corporate in the 80s and 90s. I get how HR should work, and I get what HR's job is. HR's job is, among other things: to address valid employee concerns. The health and welfare of an employee is a valid concern. So, I even help them out! I bring with me to these meetings a print-out of the University No Smoking Policy 4.69. It's a great read. The item that I high-lighted and suggested HR could use to begin the conversation: "Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of all entrances to all [University] buildings."
I pointed out that this guy is in violation of that policy all day, every day. We are the healthcare unit of this University. The guy stands either directly in front of the doors to the building OR - and this one is classic - directly underneath the sign about 10' down the building that says "Making People Healthy."
I'm not in HR, but if I were, that would be the starting point of my conversation. Scenario:
Hey, fella...you've got to step awaaaaaay from the building (hand him University policy...because that doesn't make ME look like the bad guy, I'm just sharing Policy. Oh, and have you heard about how bad smoking is for you? Yeah, it is. Furthermore, we here are concerned about your health. Did you know that this University offers FREE smoking cessation programs here on campus? Yes, really. Lots of them. Through the Counseling Center, through the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program, through our Cancer Institute. It's true. We suggest that you at least look that the information I've printed for you (handing him a pile of brochures and web site info). I've heard you cough at least twice while I've been talking, and in my non-medical opinion, your lungs don't sound so great. Oh, and one more thing: you've been in my office, what, 5 minutes now? I am telling you that I can smell your cologne and it's a bit overpowering. Do you, by chance, use cologne after you come back inside so that your colleagues don't smell your cigarette smoke? (He will answer yes, because he's a nice guy and I can tell has a healthy fear of authority) I must ask you to not re-apply cologne after you leave your house in the morning. I can suggest chewing gum, Binaca, Altoids...something like that instead, OK? So. Here's a letter (handing him letter) re-capping everything I've just explained to you, and I'm going to need you to sign it saying you understand the University Policy and that you will strive to improve your health habits. Good day, sir.
How hard is that? Apparently really, really hard. Completely expected, HR totally took the coward's way out. Smoky McSmokes-A-Lot (smelling like he always does) comes up to my desk this morning looking super-sad and says, "I am told I have new office in Clinic. I must move by end of day."
So, there you have it. A FINE way to solve the problem. I'm 99.9% sure that's all he was told, "We're relocating you." No reason given. Wonder how many more complaints will arise - and trust me, unless they're relocating him to a cave all by himself, there will be - before someone actually does sit him down and tell him the truth. Buncha wusses. Sure, I got what I wanted and my cube area will be a nicer place to visit, Renuzit-free, by next week. Badly handled, though. I'm very disappointed.