(no subject)

[waterspyder]

Is there a good way to say "Just because we share a cubicle does not mean I want to eat my lunch and take my breaks with you too"?

Comments

[waterspyder.livejournal.com]

Actually I froze. I normally won't ignore people that long, but I'm running out of options.

"Oh I just have a few more things to do" results in being followed and watched intently for 15 minutes or so.

I need to find more errands to run, or maybe I shuold start taking my lunch at 11:30am.

[torrain.livejournal.com]

Nono, not "a few *more* things to do"; that implies that you're willing to go to lunch with them.

"Personal things to do", as in things that are not work-realted that you have already devoted your lunch hour to.

You can always call me; starting a conversation, then pausing to stare at your cubicle mate and saying "Oh, I'm sorry, weren't you going to lunch? If you're going to eat here, I can make this call from somewhere else." ought to work.

While your initial suggestion of "Just because we share a cubicle does not mean I want to eat my lunch and take my breaks with you too" is entirely factual, it is not (I think) a good way to say what you want to say. I'm guessing that since she's with a temp in a cubicle, she is not exactly well set-up in the office, and are possibly a temp or student or otehr not-quite-part-of-it-all themselves. I'm not saying she sees you as the only person to talk to, but right now it just sounds like she's being friendly; returning friendliness with factual dismissal is harsh, and I'm guessing that's what you're trying to avoid.