Relationship Matters: Setting Professional Boundaries

Our relationships and how we navigate them keep evolving with the times. Often, we find questions or worries so personal that they can only be shared with a stranger, but any random stranger is no real solace! Nor is the advice safe. With that in mind, Star Lifestyle brings to you a brand-new relationship advice column from certified experts. This hopes to tackle the host of worries, questions and forks in roads of the relationships plane that includes the personal, professional to psychological.

Read on for insights, and shoot us your concerns, even anonymously at lifestyleds@yahoo.com, or send us a message on Star Lifestyle's Facebook page.

This particular female colleague of mine always as an opinion on what I wear. She often hints that I should dress more conservatively. I am 24 and I feel I have the basic understanding of what can pass as office wear. How should I confront her?

— Confused

Dear Confused,

You need to confront the colleague assertively. Please ask her why she feels distressed with your clothes in the first place and explain to her categorically why your clothes are appropriate and 'in-line' with the dress rules of the company that you are working for.

If you need any help with the conversation, here's our prompt for you: 

" I appreciate that you care about me since you always express your concerns regarding my clothes and dressing, even though it maybe none of your business. However, I would feel more content if you just relaxed and reduced your concerns about my sense of dressing. I know I can manage it on my own; since I am adult enough to know what is right and what is not. Thanks for understanding!"

We think the above conversation should be able to stop her from bothering you with the subject-matter ever again. However, if it still continues, you have the HR Department to help you with the meddling colleague.