Annie’s Mailbox: Employee’s constant burping may be medicable

Dear Annie: I am a manager of a small company. The problem is, one employee burps uncontrollably throughout the day. She seems shocked every time it happens. I find this to be unprofessional and rude, and it is horribly embarrassing when it occurs in front of colleagues. People laugh behind her back. I’ve tried to make a joke of it by brushing off my shirt and saying, “Glad you didn’t get any on me.” Nothing has any effect. What’s to be done? – Please Stop

Dear Please: This woman probably has some gastrointestinal problem that causes the constant burping (usually acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome, but it could also be an ulcer or infection, or worse). She undoubtedly would like it to stop.

Joking may ease office tension, but it won’t help her. Instead, please say that she may have a medical problem and should speak to her doctor immediately.

Dear Annie: We have friends whom we’ve hosted for dinner at least a half-dozen times in the past few years. But they have never invited us to their home. They once invited us to dine with them at a restaurant, but they did not offer to pay for our meal.

We are reluctant to keep inviting them to dinner at our house, as they make no effort to reciprocate. However, we do enjoy seeing them. What do you suggest? – Feeling Used

Dear Used: Had they treated you at a restaurant, that would have been a fine way to reciprocate, because not everyone is comfortable entertaining in their home. But since they expect you to pay your own way, we suggest you continue with that method. Invite them to join you at a restaurant and split the bill. That way, you can continue to enjoy their company, and no one feels taken advantage of. And it’s perfectly OK to periodically entertain them in your home, should you wish to do so, as long as you expect nothing in return.