Deep Dive: Overcoming Workplace Woes

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dr. Laura Call of the Day – Episode: Deep Dive: Overcoming Workplace Woes

Introduction

In this episode of Dr. Laura Call of the Day, hosted by Dr. Laura Schlessinger on SiriusXM Triumph 111, Dr. Laura delves into the myriad challenges individuals face in the workplace. With her characteristic no-nonsense approach, she offers practical advice on handling difficult co-workers, workplace bullying, and sensitive professional issues. The episode, released on May 1, 2025, provides listeners with actionable strategies to maintain professionalism and personal well-being in challenging work environments.

Handling Annoying Co-Workers

Mary Ellen’s Dilemma

Mary Ellen calls in seeking advice about attending a going-away party for a co-worker she finds difficult.

• Mary Ellen (02:20): "I have a question about work. I've been at the same place for 17 years and about three years ago we hired a new employee. A new co-worker of mine came in quite a bit younger and she basically made my life a living hell at work. And now she's leaving and of course we're gonna have a goodbye barbecue for her. And I don't want to go."

Dr. Laura emphasizes the importance of maintaining professionalism to avoid disappointing the boss.

• Dr. Laura (03:59): "It would look. You look a bit petty."

Mary Ellen expresses concern about appearing insincere at the party.

• Mary Ellen (04:03): "Yes. Yep. Yeah, I just. If I go, I just don't think I'm going to be able to pretend that everything is great."

Dr. Laura urges Mary Ellen to adopt a gracious demeanor despite personal feelings.

• Dr. Laura (04:48): "When you're trying to cope with an annoying co-worker, the last thing you want to do is make yourself look bad. Don't act petty, don't pout, don't cry, don't pop your cork, because that's what everybody's going to see."

Dealing with Sensitive Workplace Issues

Stephanie’s Concern about a Co-Worker’s Hygiene

Stephanie reaches out with a delicate issue regarding a co-worker's persistent bad breath.

• Stephanie (07:44): "We have a coworker who has recurring really terrible breath. And we don't want to be ugly to her, obviously, but we're wondering. We do work with the public and it's not good. And I'm wondering if you have any advice."

Dr. Laura advises seeking professional guidance to handle such sensitive matters.

• Dr. Laura (08:17): "You'll have to check with HR or a lawyer on how to handle that because these days if you say something like that, you won't be able to sue you. So you really need to talk to a lawyer about how to handle it."

Confronting Workplace Bullying

Samantha’s Struggle with a Competitive Co-Worker

Samantha discusses her experience with a co-worker who exhibits bullying behavior due to perceived slights regarding promotions.

• Samantha (12:17): "My particular situation is a workplace bully. It is a situation where in my organization, this particular person was, in her opinion, she feels as if she was slighted and passed over for a promotion, which I am now currently in the running for. And she feels the need to make sarcastic, snide comments."

Dr. Laura provides strategies for maintaining professionalism and addressing the bully effectively.

• Dr. Laura (12:56): "Keep a record. And number two, each time say the same thing. Yeah, I can see this is terribly upsetting. You ought to go to HR and file a complaint that you were looked over."

Samantha appreciates the proactive approach suggested by Dr. Laura.

• Samantha (14:09): "I like that advice. That seems very proactive because intellectually I know when people just, generally speaking, make those kinds of snide downs, I know that intellectually it speaks far more to their insecurity than anything about that."

Dr. Laura reinforces the importance of professionalism over emotional responses.

• Dr. Laura (15:18): "And you are in a professional situation. You do not want to sound like a girl. There is no equivalent. You sound like a guy. Because if you sound like a guy, you don't sound like a girl."

Managing a Bullying Boss

Mary’s Struggle with a Patronizing Manager

Mary calls back with issues concerning her boss, who consistently undermines her during meetings.

• Mary (17:15): "I have a boss who's quite the bully. But and particularly to me, there's five of us at this point. And, you know, whenever we're meeting, she will never let me finish a sentence. She very patronizing. And if I do make a suggestion, she has a better way to do it or tell me, has to tell me that I'm wrong about something."

Dr. Laura advises Mary to adopt a passive approach during meetings to maintain peace.

• Dr. Laura (18:17): "Well, then once a week, don't speak up. I'm serious."
• Dr. Laura (18:38): "Be the tree that lets the wind blow over it and it bends slightly rather than breaks."

Mary expresses hesitation but ultimately agrees to follow the advice.

• Mary (19:42): "Good deal. Yeah, I agree."

Addressing Resentful Co-Workers

Julie’s Experience with a Resentful Colleague

Julie discusses her challenging relationship with a co-worker who has become increasingly resentful and aggressive.

• Julie (20:14): "I work with a co-worker who I'VE worked for, for, with four years and we work kind of remotely under a manager and I've worked with him under two different managers and he over time has gotten more and more, I guess, resentful, kind of outwardly like aggressive."

Dr. Laura instructs Julie to escalate the issue to HR to mitigate the hostile environment.

• Dr. Laura (21:31): "Once you have a manager who acknowledges that this is happening and making a bad workspace, you go to HR and file a complaint."

Julie expresses reluctance but acknowledges the necessity of taking action.

• Julie (22:35): "So I'm insulted and. But. And I should be for being weak. Because you're right. And I'm not going to be."

Dr. Laura emphasizes the importance of acting decisively to preserve professionalism and workplace harmony.

• Dr. Laura (23:10): "You complained to a manager who told you basically to eat it. No. This is a bad work environment. You are under no obligation to tolerate it. It is bullying and abusive. You go and lodge the complaint and you mention that the manager backed you up and whatever the manager said, you write it all down, they will call in that person and he will have more reason to be animosity ridden and then they will get rid of him."

Conclusion and Final Advice

Dr. Laura wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of maintaining professionalism, seeking appropriate channels for conflict resolution, and knowing when to move on if the workplace environment remains toxic.

• Dr. Laura (26:13): "If you need to confront someone, think it through. Come up with a plan. Is this something you want to discuss with the person you're having a problem with? Your boss, HR, or an attorney? Finally, not everything can be fixed. If your workplace woes seem irreparable, it might be time to move on and find a new job."

Key Takeaways

1. Maintain Professionalism: Always strive to act graciously, even in the face of difficult colleagues or managers.
2. Seek Appropriate Channels: Utilize HR or legal advice when dealing with sensitive or abusive workplace issues.
3. Document Incidents: Keeping a record of problematic behavior can be crucial when escalating issues.
4. Know When to Let Go: If a toxic work environment is unmanageable, consider moving to a more positive workplace.
5. Personal Responsibility: Focus on controlling your reactions and maintaining emotional resilience.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Laura (04:48): "When you're trying to cope with an annoying co-worker, the last thing you want to do is make yourself look bad."
• Dr. Laura (15:18): "You sound like a guy. Because if you sound like a guy, you don't sound like a girl."
• Dr. Laura (23:10): "This is a bad work environment. You are under no obligation to tolerate it."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Dr. Laura Call of the Day serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners navigating challenging workplace dynamics. Dr. Laura's blend of empathy and firm advice provides a roadmap for maintaining professionalism and personal integrity amidst workplace turmoil. Whether dealing with annoying co-workers, bullying supervisors, or sensitive interpersonal issues, listeners are equipped with strategies to foster a healthier and more productive work environment.

Transcript

[Dr. Laura]

When Skechers says they've revolutionized how you put on and take off your shoes, they aren't kidding. I just got my first pair of hands free Skechers slip ins and I want them in every color. You literally just step into your Skechers slip ins and they're on. No bending, no struggling. They're fantabulous. I came up with that word. Feet gently slide in thanks to an invisible built in shoehorn. A heel pillow feature keeps your foot secure. Slip ins come in athletic and casual styles for men, women and kids. They even have sandals with special features and fits like Skechers Air cooled memory foam Arch fit, Relaxed fit Wide fit. Once your feet have experienced hands free Sketcher slip ins, they won't want to wear any other shoe. They certainly exceeded my expectations. You can find [e-mail] DrLora or Skechers.com use the promo code DrLora. Valid for 20% off site wide standard exclusions apply. Valid March 5 through May 30, 2025. Listen to all my episodes of Dr. Laura's Deep Dive in your favorite podcast app. Search for Dr. Laura's deep dive podcast and follow my Deep dive to today. Dr. Laura's deep dive deep dive right.

[Podcast Announcer]

In Dr. Laura's deep dive Podcast.

[Dr. Laura]

Most of us have experienced annoying work situations at some point in our careers. Be it icky body odor, busy bodies, bitchy behavior, catty complaining, critical competitive co workers. There's no limit to the types of problems to be found in any given workplace. When you can't control what's happening around you, remember you can control how you react. That's the power you have. When Mary Ellen called me, she was thrilled that her least favorite co worker was moving on. Trouble was, her office was throwing a going away party that Mary Ellen really did not want to attend. And here's what I said about skipping out on the festivities. Mary Ellen, welcome to the program.

[Mary Ellen]

Hi Dr. Laura. Thanks for taking my call.

[Dr. Laura]

My pleasure.

[Mary Ellen]

I have a question about work. I've been at the same place for 17 years and about three years ago we hired a new employee. A new co worker of mine came in quite a bit younger and she basically made my life a living hell at work. And now she's leaving and of course we're gonna have a goodbye barbecue for her. And I don't want to go. I don't want to.

[Dr. Laura]

Help me understand. So everybody else likes her?

[Mary Ellen]

Not everybody.

[Dr. Laura]

Most people must like her in order for there to be a barbecue. That's A big deal.

[Mary Ellen]

The boss. The boss likes her. Yeah.

[Dr. Laura]

Oh, so the boss is holding. Madam, just stay with me. The boss is holding a party?

[Mary Ellen]

Yes.

[Dr. Laura]

Then if the boss is holding the party, it would look bad for you with your boss if you didn't go.

[Mary Ellen]

Correct.

[Dr. Laura]

If somebody else was doing it, one of the other co workers, you could give your sorrys. Can't make it. But you don't want to disappoint the boss.

[Mary Ellen]

So I have to go.

[Dr. Laura]

No, I'm just saying I don't think you want to disappoint the boss. You can not go if you choose. I didn't say you have to go. I'm just pointing out that considering who's hosting the party, it would not look good.

[Mary Ellen]

Right.

[Dr. Laura]

It would look. You look a bit petty.

[Mary Ellen]

Yes. Yep. Yeah, I just. If I go, I just don't think I'm going to be able to pretend that everything is great.

[Dr. Laura]

I don't know what the hell you're talking about. When you go to a party, you're nice to people. You smile, you have your cocktails, you eat your barbecue, you have conversations. Who asked you about everything being great?

[Mary Ellen]

I just don't like being around her, so I guess I don't have.

[Dr. Laura]

Oh, you need to grow up a little bit right now. I'm looking at my watch. You need to grow up right now.

[Mary Ellen]

Okay. All right, I will then. Thank you.

[Dr. Laura]

Has nothing to do with whether you like her or not. Just a matter of you being gracious and looking like a team player. She is leaving. So think of it this way. You're celebrating that she's leaving. How could you not be happy?

[Mary Ellen]

That's true. That is a good way to look at it.

[Dr. Laura]

You sound like a sibling rivalry. I'm the good kid, she's the bad kid, and the boss is giving her a party. That's what you're sounding like, and that's what it'll appear like. This is not a business thing. This is a social thing. And I have a feeling there's more than three people. You, the boss, and this person. So if there's more than three people, you can busy yourself having conversations with everybody else.

[Mary Ellen]

Right. Okay, I will go. Thank you.

[Dr. Laura]

You're welcome. When you're trying to cope with an annoying co worker, the last thing you want to do is make yourself look bad. Don't act petty, don't pout, don't cry, don't pop your cork, because that's what everybody's going to see. And remember that you did something childish or you lost it and the annoying person becomes the victim. Don't lose your cool, but also don't allow yourself to be drained emotionally. Try to keep away from the person you're clashing with. You don't have to be mean, just casually offer excuses, oh, I need to make a call or I'm going to check my messages and off you go. With a gossipy co worker, you might say, you know, I'm just not comfortable talking about that, or that's not really my business, and off you go. Another option is to distract yourself by taking breaks. Go for a walk, go look out a window. Breathe deeply. Take mental and physical breaks. If you can use headphones, you'll avoid hearing a lot of annoying stuff with headphones on. If you're dealing with a reasonable person and you think there's a way you can gently bring up a problem and discuss it, do that. But gently, gently say something like, we must have gotten off on the wrong foot because the feedback I'm getting is that you're really unhappy with my work or it seems like I'm kind of rubbing you the wrong way. People love it when you show that you care about their feelings, their perspective. So ask if there's anything you can do to make things better. It may not work, but heck, it's worth a try. And while I think that honesty is most often the best policy, some topics are so sensitive that you probably should avoid them altogether. As I explained to Stephanie who called about her problem with her co workers, personal hygiene. Stephanie, welcome to the program.

[Stephanie]

Hi Dr. Laura, thanks for taking my call. I actually have a work related question. I work in a small family business with a tight knit group of girls and we have a coworker who has recurring really terrible breath. And we don't want to be ugly to her, obviously, but we're wondering. We do work with the public and it's not good. And I'm wondering if you have any advice.

[Dr. Laura]

You'll have to check with HR or a lawyer on how to handle that because these days if you say something like that, you won't be able to sue you. So you really need to talk to a lawyer about how to handle it.

[Stephanie]

So just as a friend, there's no way around that.

[Dr. Laura]

There's no way you're a friend when this is a business environment.

[Stephanie]

Okay. All right then. Thank you.

[Dr. Laura]

You're very welcome. When you have a business situation, you damn well better talk to an attorney. And she could have rotting teeth. She could have terrible stomach problems. It could be so many things that make the Bad breath. But nonetheless, ringing it up exposes you to a lawsuit. That's the world today. You can't be a friend because the other person could sue. Okay, break time. Time for you to take a few breaths. Calm yourself down before you imagine start dealing with that office problem. Be right back.

[Podcast Announcer]

Dr. Laura's deep dive podcast.

[Dr. Laura]

Did you know that skin care can start in the laundry room? The Dr. Laura program is happy to be partnering with our sponsor All Free Clear laundry detergent. My peeps with kids are especially thrilled to use it because it's 100% free of dyes and perfumes. All Free Clear is the number one laundry detergent brand recommended for sensitive skin by pediatricians, dermatologists and allergists. For a clean you can feel good about, all you need is All Free Clear.

[Hometap Representative]

What if you could use your home equity to pay off your debt without monthly payments? So you could focus on reaching your other financial goals? With a home equity investment from Hometap, you you can get access to your home equity in cash. Get closer to financial freedom and get more out of life. Learn more and see if you pre qualify for an [e-mail] subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply. Get access to your home equity in cash. Visit hometap.com to apply in minutes. That's hometap.com.

[Instagram Representative]

Introducing Instagram teen accounts. A new way to keep your teen safer as they grow. Like making sure they always have their seatbelt on.

[Hometap Representative]

All right, sweetie pie, buckle up.

[Podcast Announcer]

Good job.

[Instagram Representative]

Or ring the bell on their bike.

[Dr. Laura]

Okay, kid, give it a try. Nice.

[Instagram Representative]

Or remember their elbow pads.

[Dr. Laura]

Knees too.

[Hometap Representative]

Okay.

[Dr. Laura]

Yep, there you go.

[Instagram Representative]

New Instagram teen accounts. Automatic protections for who can contact your teen and the content they can see.

[Podcast Announcer]

Okay, we've got Katie's project, Dan's bake sale. Emma has a test tomorrow. Uh, sweetie, I'm out of my blood pressure meds.

[Instagram Representative]

Managing the house while mama's gone is not easy. But did you know that now Walmart pharmacy has prescription delivery straight to your door?

[Podcast Announcer]

Wait, what? Really? Yep.

[Instagram Representative]

Just upload your prescription to the Walmart app and keep doing your thing. We'll bring your groceries and prescriptions all in one bag and straight to your door.

[Podcast Announcer]

Thanks, dad.

[Dr. Laura]

When does mom come back? In 38 hours and 47 minutes.

[Instagram Representative]

Now your pharmacy comes to you. Welcome to your Walmart delivery. Not available for all prescriptions. Exclusion supply.

[Podcast Announcer]

Dr. Lara's much deeper Deep Dive podcast.

[Dr. Laura]

A lot of issues at work stem from competition. That's what Samantha was dealing with when we spoke. Now, one of the best things you can do with a competitive co worker is ask their opinion or ask for their help and compliment them, especially in front of other people. Make them look good in front of a lot of people, and they will likely start treating you differently. With Samantha's competitive co worker, I had another technique for her to try. Samantha, welcome to the program.

[Samantha]

Oh, hi, Dr. Laura. I'm so excited to be on the air. Longtime listener, first time caller.

[Dr. Laura]

Thank you.

[Samantha]

My dilemma has to deal with a topic that you've brought up over the last couple of weeks. A few times, this idea of how best it is to deal with bullies. And my particular situation is a workplace bully. It is a situation where in my organization, this particular person was, in her opinion, she feels as if she was slighted and passed over for a promotion, which I am now currently in the running for. And she feels the need to make sarcastic, snide comments. Try to.

[Dr. Laura]

This is really simple. This is really simple. Especially each time she does this, whether it's with you alone or in front of other people. Especially in front of other people. Keep a record. And number two, each time say the same thing. Yeah, I can see this is terribly upsetting. You ought to go to HR and file a complaint that you were looked over. You know, you didn't get a promotion you thought you should have gotten. So go to hr. That's what they're there for. They can help you with this. So in front of other people, you will look very helpful and gracious and you will not show any pain. And it's really up your nose because she knows damn well nothing good is going to come of that. But I want you to do that same thing as though you never did it before. Each time, especially in front of other people, look incredibly gracious about it.

[Samantha]

I like that advice. That seems very proactive because intellectually I know when people just, generally speaking, make those kinds of snide downs, I know that intellectually it speaks far more to their insecurity than anything about that.

[Dr. Laura]

But I've heard that. Yeah, I've heard that. And who the hell gives a damn if it implies they have insecurities that really. I have never liked that retort from anybody. Well, you know, don't worry about it. Just shows you what they are. So I want better than that. So in public you'll be seen as saying, hey, if you. If that's the case, please go to HR and lodge a complaint. That's the way to handle this. So you are being not like a girl. You are not coming from hurt feelings. You are acting like a total professional.

[Samantha]

Yeah, because sarcasm is in particular.

[Dr. Laura]

She's insecure. What difference does it make to you and me that she's insecure?

[Samantha]

Yeah, sarcasm in particular is such a double edged sword because it's a. It's like the two. It's like two insults for one, you know, you can't take a joke. I'm just kidding. It's always couch in life.

[Dr. Laura]

Samantha.

[Samantha]

Yeah, Samantha, I know.

[Dr. Laura]

No, you don't know. So I'm going to tell you. There's nothing. I'm not discussing your righteousness of being upset, but you're sounding like a girl.

[Samantha]

Yeah, you're right.

[Dr. Laura]

And you are in a professional situation. You do not want to sound like a girl. There is no equivalent. You sound like a guy. Because if you sound like a guy, you don't sound like a girl. And sounding like a girl means the emotions are the center point and they're not.

[Samantha]

Yeah, good point.

[Dr. Laura]

They're not. The guy would not be calling me, saying, and it hurt my feelings.

[Samantha]

And.

[Dr. Laura]

It'S snide in front of my friends. No, he'd even go F off or go to hr. If you really believe it, fight for it. Fight for it is what a guy would say. If you believe this job should be yours, fight for it.

[Samantha]

Okay.

[Dr. Laura]

Instead of it hurt my feelings and it's embarrassing and it's uncomfortable and it makes me have to talk about it again and again and again.

[Samantha]

Because. Because when, when, when. I know we don't, when we don't step up to bullies, it just comes, it comes back again and again and again and again. So it's again, that's correct or it just circles back?

[Dr. Laura]

Yeah, right, exactly. Now you sound like a professional, not like a girl.

[Samantha]

Thank you, Dr. Laura.

[Dr. Laura]

You're very welcome. Fight for it. If you want it, fight for it. You know, we don't need two high school girls whining about that. We just need you to be a professional. Working in an office is a lesson in relationships. You need to know how to get along with people. The best way to do that is to be solicitous, non competitive, supportive, open to advice. It's about give and take on a professional level. Be very aware of showing respect, asking for input, offering help. Especially as I discussed with Mary, when you're dealing with your boss. Mary, welcome to the program.

[Mary]

Hi Dr. Laura. What a pleasure to speak with you.

[Dr. Laura]

Thank you.

[Mary]

Just want to say you're strong, conservative, decisive and a great example for so many of us. But anyways, the reason my call today is I have a boss who's quite the bully. But and particularly to me, there's five of us at this point. And, you know, whenever we're meeting, she will never let me finish a sentence. She very patronizing. And if I do make a suggestion, she has a better way to do it or tell me, has to tell me that I'm wrong about something. So I just. It. It's really frustrating and don't know what to do about this. But I do have to say I'm only in the office with her like once a week, so that makes it bearable.

[Dr. Laura]

Well, then once a week, don't speak up. I'm serious.

[Mary]

Really. Okay.

[Dr. Laura]

Have the meeting sit quietly and listen to everything that's going on. And at the end of the meeting, say, this was wonderful. I learned a lot. Thank you very much. I appreciated it. And get up and leave.

[Mary]

Okay.

[Dr. Laura]

Be the tree that lets the wind blow over it and it bends slightly rather than breaks.

[Mary]

Yes. So you don't think I should report.

[Dr. Laura]

Her or, you know, that's an interesting thing, what you're doing now. I told you what I thought you ought to do, which meant I don't think you ought to do something different from that, like go to war over it. I think it's once a week meeting. You go in there, you listen to everybody, you say, that was very interesting, and even pick up something she said and go. I thought that was really an important thing that you brought up. So you compliment her, you thank everybody, and you leave. Your world will change. You will immediately feel better. You are not going to feel better going to war. And you know what? You'll lose the war.

[Mary]

I know you're right.

[Dr. Laura]

So if you do it my way, you're going to feel better, you're going to blow off the top of her head with nice compliments, and you're going to love the rest of your day.

[Mary]

Good deal. Yeah, I agree.

[Dr. Laura]

Yes. You're going to love your day. Believe me, you will love your day. Ultimately, your workplace is where you go to earn a living. These aren't necessarily friends, and they're not family. It's a job. There's a reason your company has a human resources department. And some employees, like my caller Julie, really have no choice but to involve them. Julie, welcome to the program.

[Julie]

Hey, Dr. Laura. Big, big fan. For a very long time now. My husband's a fan of yours, too. So my question kind of comes from your commentary earlier today, and that is, I work with a co worker who I'VE worked for, for, with four years and we work kind of remotely under a manager and I've worked with him under two different managers and he over time has gotten more and more, I guess, resentful, kind of outwardly like aggressive.

[Dr. Laura]

Why, why, why would he increase. Why would he be resentful? Why?

[Julie]

Well, the current, my current manager says he thinks it's jealousy. He says it's just jealousy. Don't worry about it. A little bit of a backstory on it.

[Dr. Laura]

Okay. Don't need a backstory. You had a manager note that this person behaves that way and gave a potential explanation. Is that correct? Do I have that correct?

[Julie]

Yeah, I mean, just kind of flip it.

[Dr. Laura]

Stop, stop. I just want to know. Yes, please, please just want to know. Okay.

[Julie]

Yeah.

[Dr. Laura]

Once you have a manager who acknowledges that this is happening and making a bad workspace, you go to HR and file a complaint.

[Julie]

Okay.

[Dr. Laura]

And then the animosity person will be taken care of or they know they'll have to have a financial settlement with you. So don't leave your home unless you're going to grow some balls. Okay, I heard that. Oh, I actually have to do something about this.

[Julie]

Well, I don't want someone losing their.

[Dr. Laura]

Job because I don't care what you want. I'm telling you the grown up way to do it. Regardless of gender. Women who want to be this week. Oh, I should. I'd want to be very nice. I don't want anybody mad at me. I don't want anything bad to happen. So I have to feel bad or I have to feel guilty. My opinion is that women like this should never have a job, never leave the house because you either can act like a strong grown up or you can't. And I as a woman are expecting you to step up.

[Julie]

Got it?

[Dr. Laura]

You complained to a manager who told you basically to eat it. No. This is a bad work environment. You are under no obligation to tolerate it. It is bullying and abusive. You go and lodge the complaint and you mention that the manager backed you up and whatever the manager said, you write it all down, they will call in that person and he will have more reason to be animosity ridden and then they will get rid of him. Not because you complained, but because he's behaving unprofessionally.

[Julie]

Yes.

[Dr. Laura]

You are not losing somebody their job. He is losing his own job for himself. Self class since I was in school in the 60s. I mean, it got totally distorted and made stupid and ugly like let's kill babies and bodies because that makes us real women. But in spite of all of that distortion, the notion was that we should be respected and have the same opportunities. Well, then we've got to act like grownups.

[Julie]

You're right.

[Dr. Laura]

You are the role model for all women. Yeah, all of them. Everywhere. Foreign countries, everywhere.

[Julie]

So I'm. I'm insulted and. But. And I should be for being weak. Because you're right. And I'm not going to be.

[Dr. Laura]

Thank you. You're welcome. Good for you. Okay, break time. Need you to breathe in slowly, breathe out through your mouth and think more positively about how you can make your work time better. I'll be right back.

[Podcast Announcer]

Dr. Laura's deep dive Deep Dive podcast with a home equity investment from Home tab. You get access to your home equity in cash without monthly payments to use for whatever you'd like, from paying off debt to making renovations or handling emergency expenses. Receive your funds in just a few weeks, start pursuing your financial goals and start getting more out of life. See if you pre qualify for an [e-mail] subject to eligibility terms and conditions apply. That's hometap.com hi, we're all modern.

[Hometap Representative]

We're here to help you refresh your space for spring. With the best of modern furniture and decor all in one place, our team of modern obsessed experts hand vets each design for quality. Plus we offer fast and free shipping. That's modern made for real life.

[Dr. Laura]

Shop [e-mail] okay, we've got Katie's project, Dan's bake sale.

[Podcast Announcer]

Emma has a test tomorrow. Sweetie, I'm out of my blood pressure meds.

[Instagram Representative]

Managing the house while mama's gone is not easy. But did you know that now Walmart Pharmacy has prescription delivery straight to your door.

[Podcast Announcer]

Wait, what? Really?

[Dr. Laura]

Yep.

[Instagram Representative]

Just upload your prescription to the Walmart app and keep doing your thing. We'll bring your groceries and prescriptions all in one bag and straight to your door.

[Podcast Announcer]

Thanks, dad.

[Dr. Laura]

When does mom come back? In 38 hours and 47 minutes.

[Instagram Representative]

Now your pharmacy comes to you. Welcome to your Walmart delivery. Not available for all prescriptions. Exclusions apply.

[Dr. Laura]

Always so fresh, delicious and nutritious. Eglund's best eggs fuel the body with 6 times more vitamin D, 10 times more vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs. Visit eglundsbest.com to learn more.

[Podcast Announcer]

Dr. Laura's deep dive podcast Deep if.

[Dr. Laura]

You decide to approach a co worker, employee or supervisor, make sure you do it as though you were Mahatma Gandhi and take on a demeanor of peace. People will be less likely to respond with anger if you approach them with peace. Also, put yourself in the other person's moccasins. Maybe they are having problems in their life or they're feeling disrespected. If you show some interest in hearing the other person's side of an issue, you can reduce the chances of things escalating. If you need to confront someone, think it through. Come up with a plan. Is this something you want to discuss with the person you're having a problem with? Your boss, hr, or an attorney? Finally, not everything can be fixed. If your workplace woes seem irreparable, it might be time to move on and find a new job. Perhaps there's something going on in your work or personal life that you'd like my help with. I'm here to take your calls at 1-800-DORIAN Laura, or go to my website. Make an appointment to speak with me on air at Jeffrey Beatles. Now go. Do the right thing. If you like this podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast. Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars. And be sure to share this podcast with a friend on Facebook or your preferred social media platform.

[Podcast Announcer]

Okay, we've got Katie's project, Dan's bake sale. Emma has a test tomorrow. Sweetie, I'm out of my blood pressure meds.

[Instagram Representative]

Managing the house while Mama's gone is not easy. But did you know that now Walmart Pharmacy has prescription delivery straight to your door.

[Podcast Announcer]

Wait, what? Really? Yep.

[Instagram Representative]

Just upload your prescription to the Walmart app and keep doing your thing. We'll bring your groceries and prescriptions all in one bag and straight to your door.

[Podcast Announcer]

Thanks, dad.

[Dr. Laura]

When does mom come back? In 38 hours and 47 minutes.

[Instagram Representative]

Now your pharmacy comes to you. Welcome to your Walmart Delivery not available for all prescriptions exclusion supply.