I began work as a mailman two years ago and the co-worker who was training me was talking to a friend on his cell phone about his wife's battle with breast cancer. I clearly heard this. After the phone conversation was finished, I couldn't decide if I should say something about his wife or just act like I didn't know anything about it. I decided to say nothing. I figured if he wanted me to know he would have told me about his wife's cancer directly. I no longer work there but this has been bothering me. Was I right or wrong?
2006-07-08 19:24:57 · 8 answers · asked by FrozenCloud 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Sometimes our instinctive or automatic reactions are the best.
You were not in the conversation so, strictly speaking, you should have acted as though you were not listening.
2006-07-08 21:12:31 · answer #1 · answered by leadbelly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that if he didn't want you to know he would have talked about it later or walked away where you couldn't have heard him. He was probably reaching out to you the only way most men know how. My dad is that way, he'll talk about something in front of me that he wants me to know but he won't talk about it directly with me. But then if I ever say something he won't talk about it. I think your friend was just trying to fill you in. So if he was having a bad day or something you would know why and not always being up in his face asking him what's wrong. Know what I mean. You did the right thing. Don't worry about it.
2006-07-09 02:31:30 · answer #2 · answered by ~p♥kes~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well my father actually has brain cancer and i did tell someone at work and someone else over heard but to me it made me feel better when people talked to me about it and let me know their thoughts. i wouldnt feel bad cuz if that person didnt want you to hear they wouldnt have said ANYTHING in front of you -phone or no phone.
2006-07-09 02:31:41 · answer #3 · answered by sweetness 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it's correct etiquette, but personally I would have said "I'm sorry to hear about your wife" and left it at that. Then it would be up to him to say more.
2006-07-09 02:30:43 · answer #4 · answered by maigen_obx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I was not listening in, but I could not help but hear about your wife. I am very sorry and if there is anything I can do to help, I'm here."
2006-07-14 14:22:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually, it's probably best not to say anything. if he wanted to talk to you about it he would have.So if your curiosity,was what was bothering you then thats your problem. you did the best thing by not being nosy.
2006-07-09 02:34:17 · answer #6 · answered by rpm53 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you should have suggested is that personal calls should be kept personal.
2006-07-09 02:28:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
your right not to have said anything, if he wanted your comments or advice he would have asked you.
2006-07-09 02:30:50 · answer #8 · answered by Brandy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋